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1
A COMPENDIUM
OF THE ^
^ DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS,
One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and
ELDER JAMES A. LITTLE,
Second Stezvtolv^pc ^bition.
SALT LAK^ CITY, UTAH:
OB8EBET NKW8 COMPANV, PSHtirKVM.
■ 8^4.
HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY
miGHAM YOLN'G UNIVERSITY
PROVO, UTAH
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by
JAMES A. LITTLE AND FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress atWashington, D.C.
PREFACE,
We consider the Bible, Book of Mormon, Book
of Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
and sayings of Joseph, the Seer, our guides in faith
and doctrine. The first four have been adopted as
such by a vote of the Saints in General Conference,
Reference to other writings are only for illustration
of the subject.
We have sought to furnish the best available
material for the use of the Elders. It is for them to
seek for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to enable
them to use it with discretion.
On most of the subjects treated, only a portion of
the passages that refer to them have been cited, but
we have endeavored to use the best. We designed
to make the Compendium sufficiently elaborate to
give it a wide range of usefulness, and, at the same
time, not make it so large as to be burdensome to the
Elders who travel and preach the Gospel. Practi-
cally, we have aimed to get up a book that would
contain a great amount of information for its bulk.
The arguments on each subject are so plain and
direct, that, we trust, they may be made available by
the most inexperienced Elders. At the same time,
the references and citations are considered sufficient
for the more advanced student to acquire a thorough
knowledge of the subjects treated on.
The references in small type are noi designed to
IV PREFACE.
be verbatim, but only to embody, as near as may be,
the leading idea of the passage referred lo. They
should be studied before being used. The passages
included within the usual quotation marks, thus, " ",
are designed to be correctly quoted, and may be used
without referring to the original.
We are indebted to Elder George Reynolds for
the carefully prepared Chronology of the Book of
Mormon. It is evidently the result of much study
and thought, and as such is entitled to credence.
While we have aimed at accuracy, we should be
pleased to have our friends inform us of any material
error they may discover.
We expect cur labors will elicit some criticism,
but we trust the thoughtful and experienced will
allow much for the complicated character of the
work,
THE COMPILERS.
INDEX,
Articles of Faith I
Atonement, The 8
Apostacy of the Primitive Church 164
Angels 235
Angel of the Lord 237
Angels, Ministering 258
Angels, Fallen 241
Apostles — The First Presidency and Twelve 255
Apostles, The Twelve 256
Baptism, Necessity of 32
Bapti-m, Mode of , 34
Baptism, Object of 36
Baptism for the Dead 40
Book of MorjTion — Evidences of its Divine Authenticity 95
Book of Mormon Chronology 289
Christ's First Coming , 78
Christ's Second Coming 80
Christ's Church, Name of 157
Consecration, Stewardship, United Order 263
Church Chronology 306
V* INDEX.
Dispensation of the Fulness of Times 143
Destruction ol the Wicked 204
Evangelists, or Patriarchs
Fall of Adam, The
Free Agency of Man ^
Faith
Faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost 16
Faith in the Holy Priesthood, Necessity of. lo
Faith in Continual Revelation 24
Foreordination — Election ^^3
Gathering of Israel. ;
Gods, Plurahty of jg
God a Personage j3^,
God, The True and Living 13^
Gems from History of Joseph Smith 266 and 305
Israel a chosen people 216
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Bible Prophecies loi
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Book of Mormon Prophecies. 107
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of His Own Prophecies 114
Jerusalem of the Eastern Hemisphere, The 171
Jerusalem, New , ....174
Laying on of Hands for Ordination 49
Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost 50
IXDCTX. vii
^AGE,
Laying on of Hands for Healing the Sick 51
Latter-day Saints' Emigration 0...312
Marriage — A Divine Institution, and designed to be Eternal. 118
Marriage — Plurality of V\ ives 124
Marriage — Concubines 135
Millennial Reign 201
Miracles , 209
Ordinances, Covenants, etc., Eternal..... 194
Priesthood, The Holy 64
Priesthood, Aaronic 71
Priesthood, Patriarchal 73
Pre-existence of Spirits ' 179
Passover, or Sacrament 198
Repentance 26
Remission of Sins , ,. 46
Resurrection, The 53
Resurrection at Christ's Resurrection ^4
Resurrection at the Second Coming of Christ 57
Resurrection at the End of the \Aorld ^g
Resurrection of the Body that is Laid Down, 60
Records of the Jaredites 215
Records mentioned in the Bible and not in it 217
Records of the Nephites 210
Scattering of Israel, The gr^
Spirit of God, or Holy Ghost i^g
Vll!
4t;DEX.
Spiritual Gifts
"^T?
Signs and Tokens
229
Sabbath Day, The ....
•" 242
Spirits in prison
™^^^^ 160
Temples and Sacred Places \ ^o^
The Book of Mormon
3J^2
Visions and Dreams
' 223
COMPENDIUM
OF THE
DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL
ARTICLES OF FAITH,
T. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in
His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. ^ We believe that men will be punished for their
own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We beheve that, through the atonement of
Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to
the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First,
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second. Repentance;
third. Baptism by immersion for the remission of
.M'ns; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the
Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God,
by '^prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by
those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and
administer in the ordinances thereof.
2 ARTICLES OF FAITK.
6. We believe in the same organization that ex-
isted in the primitive church, viz: apostles, prophets,
pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophec}^,
revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues,
etc.
8. W^e believe the Bible to be the word of God,
as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe
the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that
he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet
reveal many great and important things pertaining to
the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel
and in the restoration of the ten tribes. That Zion
will be boilt upon this continent. That Christ will
reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth
will be renewed and receive its paradisic glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping- Almighty
God according to the dictates of our conscience, and
allow all men the same privilege, let them worship
how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presi-
dents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring
and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in be-ing honest, true, chaste,
benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men \
indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of
Paul, M We believe all things, we hope all things;"
we have endured many things, and hope to be able to
endure all things. If there is anything virtuous,
lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek
after these things.— Joseph Smith.
TilK L'AIjL of ADAM.
THE FALL OF ADAM,
*• Honor thy Father and thy Mother." This was
one of the ten special commandments given to Lsrael,
during a grand display of God's power and glory on
Mount Sinai.
In the past centuries of darkness it appears to
have lost its significance with the Christian world.
They do not appear to realize that honor is due to the
first parents of the human race. They have been
long taught that Adam and Eve were great trans-
gressors, and have mourned over the fact that
they partook of the forbidden fruit and brought death
into the world.
There is no possibility that the fall of man was an
accident or chance, any more than was his creation.
If an accident, then why was Christ prepared from
before the foundation of the world as a propitiation
for sin, and to open up the way for man to immor-
tality?
Christ's mediation was a sequence of the fall.
" Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a
Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel,
and forgiveness of sins;" Acts 5, 31. Without the
fall there would have been no broken law, and there-
fore nothing to repent of; and there could be no for-
giveness of sin without the atonement of Christ.
The Book of Mormon makes this subject very
plain: *• And now, behold, if Adam had not trans-
gressed, he would not have fallen; but he would have
remained in the garden of Eden. And all things
which were created, must have remained in the same
state which they were, after they were created; and
they must have remained for ever, and had no end.
And they would have had no children; wherefore
they would have remained in a state of innocence,
having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no
good, for they knew no sin;" 2 Nephi^ 2. 22, 23.
4 THE FALL OF ADAM,
It is evident, not only from this passage, but from
all that is recorded on this subject, that, if Adam and
Eve had not attained to a knowledge of evil, by par-
taking of the forbidden fruit, the human race could
not have existed under present conditions. It is also
evident, that without a knowledge of both good and
evil, man would be incapable of exercising a free
agency, and therefore not capable of independent,
self-reliant action — a necessary condition for devel-
opment and progress.
We, the children of Adam, have no right to bring
accusations against the Patriarch of the race. But
father, we should rejoice with them, that through
their fall and the atonement of Jesus Christ, the way
of eternal life has been opened up to us. It was
ifter an angel had administered to Adam, and made
known to him the atonement through the Only Be-
gotten Son of the Father, that he and Eve gave ex-
pression to their joy, in view of the glorious Future of
the race.
*'And in that day Adam blessed God and was
filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the fami-
lies of the earth, saying. Blessed be the name of God,
for because of my transgression my eyes are opened,
and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh
I shall see God. And Eve, his wife, heard all these
things and was glad, saying. Were it not for our trans-
gression we never should have had seed, and never
should have known good and evil, and the joy of our
redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth
unto all the obedient;" Pearl of Great Price^ page lo.
The principle of obedience could only be devel-
oped in man through the fall, and only through that
can they realize the joys of redemption and eternal
life. The woman fell 'first, and led Adam out of
Eden and the presence of the Lord. *'Adam was
not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in
transgression;" i Tim, 2. 14.
When the Lord asked Adam if he had eaten of
the fruit of the tree, of which he had commanded
him that he should not eat, he replied, *' The woman
whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the
THE FALL OF ADAM. 5
tree, and I did eat;" Gen. iii, 12. Adam had been
previously commanded to multiply and replenish the
earth, and he could not do so unless he remained
with Eve. She, being deceived, forced upon him the
necessity of partaking of the forbidden fruit with
her, or of remaining in a condition where it would
have been impossible to fullil the first great com-
mandment of the Father.
Qen, 3. gives a general account of the fall of man.
15 enmity between the seed of the woman and that of the ser-
pent.
■■ 16 woman to bring forth children in sorrow^ and be subject to
her husband.
19 man to labor for his bread, and to returji to the ground.
22 man beca.me as the Gods, knowing good fjnd evil.
Rom. 5. 12 by one man sin came into the world and death by
sin.
Book o£ JHormoit.
Alma 12. 22, 23 by the fall all mankind became lo^t.
Chap. 42 explains the plan for the exaltation of man through
the fall of Adam, and tlie atonement of Je^us Clirist.
Mormon 9. 12 by Adam came the Ml of man, because of the
fall came Jesus Christ and the redemption.
r -t' , ''' ' ^ . :^^'
Sec. 29. 86 Adam being tempted of the devil, for the devil was
before Adam.
40 Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, and became subject to
the devil.
41 through the fall Adam became spiritually dead.
|0^arl o£ (Sr-eat il^xitt.
Pages 7, 8. a general account of the fall of man.
See our Article on Atonement^ and also an examijiation and
elucidation of the 7nediafion and atonement of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ: by Prest. John Taylor,
Article, by O, Pratt, Mil. Star. Vol. 28, pages 577, 59j>
and 6: 9.
Article by C. IV. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. zg, pa<re 64^.
Ser/ucn by O. Pratt, Journal of Discourses Vol. i, page ^28.
^KEE AGENCY OF MAN.
FREE AGENCY OF MAN.
The doctrine of free agency is plainly elucidated
in the written revelations from God. The plan for
man's redemption was predicated on his fall.
No law could have been given to our first parents,
and no penalty affixed for the breaking of a law, un-
less they had been free to act without constraint. The
liberty to choose was given by the Creator to the pro-
genitors of the race, and that liberty has been fully
recognized in all his dealings with their posterity.
As the Patriarch of the race entailed on it an
experimental knowledge of good and evil, through
sufferings and death, so, through the sufferings and'
death of the Only Begotten Son, they are redeemed
from the effects of his transgression, independent of
any act of theirs.
Man was created in the image of God, with the
possibility of becoming like him. But he cannot
attain to that position without a knowledge of good
and evil. Through the act of the Father he has
attained to that knowledge; through the act of the
Son he is delivered from the effects of original trans-
jssion.
Thus, with the privilege of exercising his free
agency, he is placed on an equality with the parents
of the race, and has the choice of good or evil for
himself, with the results of that clioice. If he
chooses evil, a second death will be the result. If
the good, it will prove to be the way to all the powers,
glories and exaltations that the Gods enjoy, in whose
image man is created.
The Book of Mormon is very plain on this sub-
ject: ** Wherefore, men are free according to the
tiesh; and all things are given them which are expe-
dient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty
and eternal life, through the great mediation of all
t^REE ACJENCY OF MAN. 7
men, or to choose captivity and death, according- to
the captivity and power of the devil; 2 Nephi 2. 27.
Gen, 2. 17 in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die,
3. 0 Eve eat of the fruit of the tree and gave to her husband
and he did eat. 12, 17.
4. 7 if thou doest well thou shalt be accepted.
Bfiok of JHoxmoTt,
1 Ne-phi 6. 4 that I may persuade men to come to God.
2 Nepld 2. 16 Lord gave unto man that he should act for himself.
10. 23 ye are free to act for yourselves.
M08. 'l.oZ if he listeth to obey him, the same drinketh damna-
Mon.
Alma 3. 26 reap eternal happiness or misery, according to th-e
spirit they obey.
12. 31 in a state to act according to tlieir wilL
13. 3 being left to choose good or evil.
29. 4, 5 he allotteth to man according to their wills.
30. 9 a man's privilege to believe in God or not.
41. 3, 4 evil or good is restored to men, as they have chosen.
Hel. 14. 30 ye are permitted to act for yourselves.
J^o^triTtje anlJ €^Db«itantH.
Sea. 10. 66 may come and partake of the waters of life I reel y.
29. 35 Adam to be an agent to himself. 36.
^^9 men must needs be tempted, or they could not be agents to
themselves. Sec. 58, 27, 28.
98. 8 I, the Lord, make you free.
^S^arl of (Knat f ri«.
Page 7. thou mayest choose for thyself. Satan sought to destroy
the agency of man.
16.'gJven to men to know good and evil ; they are agents to
themseh'cs.
17. many have believed and become sons of God; many have
Q-ot believed and perished.
See a serjnon by B, Youngs y, of Z>., Vol. i,^ page 7,
Sermon by B, Young, J. of D., Vol, ?, page 80.
bv O. Pratt, y. of D. Vol. r^ page 328.
^« by D, H. Wells, y. of Z>. Vol, 9, page 259.
THE ATONEMENT.
THE ATONEMENT.
The word atonement signifies deliverance, through
the oft'ering- of a ransom, from the penalty of a broken
law. The sense is expressed in Job ^^Z- 24: *^ Deliver
him from going down to the pit: I have found a ran-
som."
As effected by Jesus Christ, it signifies the deliv-
erance, through his death and resurrection, of the
earth and everything pertaining to it, from the power
which death has obtained over them through the
transgression of Adam.
The following passage is very comprehensive on
the atonement of Christ: ^*And the end shall come,
and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and
pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a
new earth, for all old things shall pass away, and all
things shall become new, even the heaven and the
earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and
beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;
and not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is
the workmanship of mine hand;" Doc. & Cov, 29.
23 — 25. In the revelations of St. John we read,
*'And he that sat upon the throne said. Behold, I
make all things new;" 21. 5.
The righteous could not inherit all things in their
immortal, exalted condition, if all things were not
resurrected to immortality as well as themselves.
The Apostle Paul quite comprehensively sums up
the results of Christ's death and resurrection: '^ But
now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
first fruits of them that slept. For since by man
ca77te death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive;'' i Cor. 15. 21, 22. That is,
death having come on all men through the disobe-
dience of Adam, so must all be raised to immortality
THE ATONEMENT. 9
and eternal life through the death and resurrection oi
Christ.
Paul also asserted that ^*the last enemy that shall
be destroyed /j" death;'' Verse 2(^, John the Revela-
tor declares that he saw death and hell cast into the
lake of fire; Rev, 20. 14.
The atonement, as wrought out by Jesus Christ,
further signifies that he has opened up the way for
man's redemption from his own sins, through faith in
Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection. The
Apostle Paul well expresses this, '' For all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to
be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare
his righteousness for the remission of sins that are
past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, /
say^ at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in
Jesus;" Rom, 3. 23 — 26.
These passages evidence that redemption from
death, through the sufferings of Christ, is for all men,
both the righteous and the wicked; for this earth,
and for all things created upon it. The whole tenor
of the Scriptures assure us, that while they may be
sure of resurrection from death, regardless of their
personal acts, yet they will be rewarded for their
works, whether they be good or evil, and that redemp-
tion from personal sins can only be obtained through
obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, and a
life of good works.
The transgression of Adam being infinite in its
consequences, those consequences cannot be averted,
except through an infinite atonem.ent. The Prophet
Nephi makes this very plain: "Wherefore it must
needs be an infinite atonement; save it should be an
infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on
incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which
came upon man, must needs have remained to an. end-
less duration. And if so, this fiesh must have laid
down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to
rise no more. O the wisdom of God! his mercy and
lO THE ATONEMENT,
grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more,
our spirits must become subject to that angei who tell
from before the presence of the eternal God, and be-
came the devil, co rise no more. * . * ^
O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth
a way tor our escape from the grasp of this awful
monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I
call the death of the bod}^, and also the death of the
spirit;" 7. Nephi (^. 7,8, 10. *^ There is one thing,
however, which the atonement does for us, imme-
diately upon our entrance into this mortal life; it sets
us free from the first spiritual death."
"As in Adam all died spiritually, even so in Christ
all, in their infancy, are made alive spiritually. Christ,
by the atonement, became the life and the light of
men; he is the true light by which all are lighted who
come into the world. Without this light all would
have suffered in the eternal night of darkness, from
which there would have been no return. But little
children, by the atonement, are made alive, and
are all subjects of salvation, being redeemed by the
blood of Christ from the fall, being pure, and spotless,
and innocent, and thus are made heirs of the king-
dom of heaven. This redemption from the spiritual
death upon all mankind in their infant state, is
brought about without any conditions on the part of
the creature; it is wrought out by the free grace of
Christ alone, without works;" O. Pratt.
'' I say unto you, that little children are redeemed
from the foundation of the world through mine Only
Begotten: wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is
not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until
they begin to become accountable before me;" Doc.
& Cov. 29. 46, 47.
^* Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempt-
ed Adam, and he partook the forbidden fruit and
transgressed the commandment, wherein he became
subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded
unto temptation. Wherefore I the Lord God caused
that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden,
from my presence, because ot his transgression,
wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first
THE ATONEMENT. II
death, even that same death, which is the last death,
which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon
the wicked when I shall say — Depart, ye cursed.
But, behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord God
gave unto Adam and unto his seed that they should not
die as to the temporal death, until I th(* Lord God
should send forth angels to declare unto them repent-
ance and redemption, through failh on the name of
mine Only Begotten Son. And thus did I, the Lord
God, appoint unto man the days of his probation,
that by his natural death he might be raised in im-
mortality unto eternal life, even as many as v^^ould
believe ; and they that believe not unto eternal damna-
tion, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual
fall, because they repent not; for they will love dark-
ness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and
they receive their wages of whom they list to
obey;" Doc. & Cov, 29.' 40 — 45.
I8a. 45. 22 look unto me and be ye saved.
53. 10 when thovi shalt make his soul an offerhig for sin.
63. 9 he, redeemed them and carried them all the days of old.
Mati. 1.'21 Jesus shall save his people from their sins.
18. 11 the Son of Man hath come to save that which was lost.
John 1. 29 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the
world.
3. 44, 15 even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. 16.
4. 42 this is Christ the Savior of the world.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
Acts 5. 31 him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Savior.
Chav. 13. 23.
Rom. 3. 24 being justified through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus.
25 whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation. 26.
5. 6 in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 — 11.
15 if through the offence of one many bo dead, the gift of grace
by one man, (Jhrir-t Jesus, hath abounded to many. 18.
6. 23 the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
8. 32 spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all.
11.' 26 there' shall come out of Zion a deliverer.
1 Cor. 1. 30 Christ Jesus who is made to us sanctification and
redemption.
5. 7 for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
2 Coy. 5. 18 who hath reconciled us to Inmself, by Jesus Christ.
Gal, 3. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the hnv.
4. 4. 5 God sent his Son to redeem them that were under the
law. 7.
12 THE ATONEMENT.
Eph. 1. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood. CoL
1. 14.
5. 2 as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us.
1 Tim. 1. 15 faithful saying, that Christ came into the world to
save sinners.
2. 5 one God, one Mediator between God and man, the man
Christ Jesus.
4. 10 we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all men.
Titus 2. 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us.
Heb. 5. 9 being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation.
7. 25 able to save them that come to God by him.
9. 26, 28 so Christ was once oflered to bear the sins of the world.
1 Peter 1. 19 with the blood of Ciirist, as of a lamb without
blemish.
3. 18 Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the
unjust.
1 John 1. 7 the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.
2. 2 he is the propitiation for the sins of the world.
4. 9 God sent his son into the world that we might live througli
him. 14.
Rev. 5. 9 and hath redeemed us by his blood, out of every
nation.
Book o£ JHormoit.
1 Nephi 11. 27 I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world
33.
12. 11 made white in the blood of the Lamb.
15. 14 the very points of his doctrine, that they may come to
him and be saved.
2 Nephi 1. 10 if the day come, they reject the Messiah. 15.
2. 3 thou art redeemed, for thou hast beheld, that, in the ful-
ness of time he cometh to bring salvation to men.
9. 21, 22 he suffereth the pains of ail men,
25. 26 the atonement satisfies the demands of justice, on those
without law.
10. 25 may God raise you from everlasting death by the power
of the atonement.
26. 24 layeth down his own life, that he may draw all men to
him.
31. 21 no other name given whereby men can be saved.
Jacob 4. 15—17 Jews will reject the only foundation on which
they can build.
Omni 1. 26 come to Christ and partake of the power of his re-
demption.
Jlf<9.s'. 4. 6—9 the atonement wliich has been prepared from the
foundation of the world for all who have been, or will be.
27. 25 becoming his sons and daughters. 30.
Alma 7. 12 take upon him death that he may loose the bands
of death.
11. 39, 40 the eternal Father shall come into the world to re-
deem his people.
34. 11—16 the law of Moses fulfilled in the infinite atonement of
Christ.
THE ATONEMENT. 1 3
39. 18 as necessary that the plan of salvation should be made
known to this people', as to their children?
Hel. 5. 9—12 will not redeem his people in their sins, but from
their sins.
3 Nephi 12. 17 in Christ is the law of Moses fulfilkd. 21, 22.
Ethers. 14 was prepared from the foundation of the world to
redeem my people.
12. So to the laying down of thy life, that thou mightest take it
again.
Moroni 8 he that says little children need baptism setteth at
naught the atonement of Christ.
^titixivit ait& €^fii)jenant5.
Sec. 18. 11 Lord suffered the pain of all men tliat they might
come to him.
23 - 25 Jesus Christ, the only name given under heaven whereby
men can be saved.
19. 16 I, God, have suffered these things for all. that they might
not suffer.
20. 26. 21 not only those who believed after he- came in the me-
ridian of time.
29. 42 Lord gave to Adam and his seed that they should not die
until the plan of redemption was declared to them.
46 little children are redeemed from the foundation of the
world. Sec. 74. 6, 7. Sec. 93. 38.
76. 41 — 44 Je«us w^as crucified that all might be saved, except
the sons of Perdition,
P^arl o£ (ffinat f rut.
, Page 1. My Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior.
3. Fojr this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the im-
mortality and eternal life of man.
9. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of
the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of
the Son evermore.
16. Je&us Christ the only name given whereby salvation shall
come.
17. Plan of salvation to all men through the blood of mine
Only Begotten.
See An examination and elucidation of the mediation and
atonement of Jesus Christ; by Prest. y. Taylor,
Articles on the fall and atonement^ by O, Pratt^ Mil, Star,
Vol. 28, pai^es 577, 59j> and 6og,
Sermon by O. Pratt ^ y, of D,^ Vol, /, pa^e 280,
2, Pai^ej28,
•• •* •• •• 2, page 368,-
'* B. Young, y. of D. Vol. j>, page 80,
Article by W, Woodruff, Mil. Star, Vol. 6, p'^ge rij.
Article by C, IV. Penrose, Contributor, Vol. 2, page j62%
14 FAITH,
FAITH.
*^ Faith is the first principle of revealed religion
and the foundation of all righteousness." ''Now
faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen;" Heb. ii. i, Doc,
and Cov.^ Lecture on Faith^ i. i-8. That to use the
word assurance, instead of substance, would be the
proper rendering of the above passage, is evident
from the 22d verse of the previous chapter: ^^Let us
draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith."
Faith begets trust and confidence. ^Hn whom we
have boldness and access with confidence by the faith
of him;" (Jesus Christ.) F2ph. 3. 12. Faith is the
gift of God. '* Saved through faiih; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God;" 2. 8. *^ To an-
other faith by the same Spirit;" i Cor, 12. 9. ** But
to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every
man the measure of faith;" Rom. 12. 3. Moroni
10. II.
Through repentance, baptism and the laying on of
hands man may receive the Holy Ghost. It will open
his spiritual vision and he will begin to comprehend
himself, the object of his creation, and his affinity to
his Heavenly Father. Then through the further ob-
servance of all the ordinances of the Gospel, will the
righteousness of God be revealed to him, from faith
to faith, until by keeping the commandments and
seeking after knowledge through the inspirations of
the Holy Ghost, in time, he will reach that assurance
of faith which is unto eternal life.
The Lectures on Faith^ by Joseph Smith, Jun., in
Doc, and Cov.^ may justly be considered the most
elaborate treatise on the subject in the sacred writ-
ings. They are written in such simplicity, that they
FAITH. 15
can be easily understood by all who will honestly
study them, to obtain a knowledge of the nature of
faith. Their fulness, their comprehensiveness, is one
of the many evidenc es of the Divine inspiration of
the Prophet Joseph.
The first lecture shows that faith is an assurance
that men have of the existence of things that they
have not seen, and that it is an element of power.
*' It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and
through which he exercises power over all temporal
as well as eternal things."
The second lecture informs us how faith, in the
beginning was based on a knowledge of God and his
attributes, and that faith in God has existed in man
in proportion to that knowledge.
The third lecture teaches us that to exercise faith
in God, man must have an idea that he exists, and
also of his character and attributes. He must, as
well, feel an assurance that he is living in accordance
with the will of God. Consequently, those who fail
to obtain this knowledge by living in the spirit and
power of the Gospel, cannot exercise a true and un-
derstanding faith in God, no matter what their pre-
tentions.
Lecture fourth treats of the connection between
correct ideas of God's attributes, of his Knowledge,
Faith or Power, Justice^ Judgment, Mercy and Truth ;
and the exercise of faith unto salvation, in a rational
being.
The fifth lecture shows the necessity of faith in
God the Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ.
Lecture sixth evidences the necessity of men
knowing that their course of life is in accordance widi
the will of God, in order to exercise faith in him unto
salvation. *Mt was this that enabled the ancient
Saints to endure all their afiiictions and persecutions,
and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, know
ing (not believing merely) that they had a more endur-
ing substance. Heb, 10. 34.
The seventh lecture treats of the effects of faith.
That working by faith is working by mental exertion
instead of physical force; illustrating the fact by
l6 FAITH.
numerous examples. It also elucidates the principle
that the mental powers are far superior to the physi-
cal forces of nature, and that through them the power
of faith is manifested.
FAITH IN GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE
HOLY GHOST.
BliU.
Gen. 15. 6 Abraham believed in God and he counted it to him
for righteousness . Rom. 4. 3 ; Gal. 3. 6.
Exod. 4. 5 that they may believe that the God of their fathers
hath appeared unto thee.
Num. 20. 12 ye believed me not ; ye shall not bring this congre-
gation into the land.
Pmlm 119. 66 teach me judgment and knowledge, for I have
believed thy commandments.
Prov. 16. 20 whoso trust eth in the Lord, happy is he.
Jonah 3. 5 so the people of Nineveh believed God,
John 1. 12 to as many as believed on him he gave power to be-
come the sons of God.
3. 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.
4. 42 know that this is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
5. 24 he that believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting
life.
8. 24 if ye believe not I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 31.
11 . 25 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall
he live. 26, 27, 40-48.
13. 19 when it comes to pass ye may believe I am he. Chap.
14. 29.
14. 1 ye believe in God believe also in me. Chap. 10. 11.
16. 9 of sin because they believe not on me. 27, 30, 31.
17. 8 they have believed thou didst send me.
20. 29 blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have be-
lieved. 31.
Acts 8. 29 the Spirit said to Philip, go near and join thyself to
him.
37 eunuch answered, I believe Jesus Christ is t\w Son of God.
10. 43 all the prophets witness that whosoever believe in him
Bhall receive remission of sins.
13. 39 by him all that believe are justified from all things. &c.
14. 23 they commended them to the Lord on whom they be-
lieved.
16. 31^ believe on Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
19. 4 should believe on him who should come after him.
20. 21 testifyina: to Jews and Greeks faith towards Jesus Christ.
27. 25 Paul said, I believe God ; that it shall be as was told me.
Rom. 1. 16 Gospel of Christ the power of God unto salvation.
17 therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to
faith. The just shall live by faith.
3. 26 the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. Chap. 4. 5.
FAITH. 17
4. 24 if we believe in him that raised Jesus from the dead.
6. 8 if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall live with
him.
8. 26, 27 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, according
to the will of God.
9. 33 a rock of offence, they that believe on him shall not be
ashamed. Cha-p. 10. 4, 11.
10. 9 believe God has raised Christ from the dead, thou shalt
be saved.
14 how shall they believe in him of whom they have not
heard ?
2 Cot. 1. 9 not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the
dead.
Qal. 2. 20 I live by the faith of the Son of God, who gave him-
self for me.
Col. 1. 4 faith in Christ and love for all the Saints.
1 Tim. 1. 16 for a pattern for those who should hereafter believe
on him.
3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, believed
on in the world, received up into glory,
4. 10 who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who be-
lieve.
Titus 3. 8 they who believe in God might maintain good works.
Heb. 3. 18 they that believe not should not enter into his rest.
James 2, 19 thou believest there is one God ; devils believe and
tremble.
1 Peter 1. 21 by him believe in God that raised him from the
dead, &c.
1 John 4. 16 we have believed the love God hath for us.
5. 10 he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in
himself.
Book o£ iHormoix.
1 Nephi 10. 6, 17 which power he received by faith on the Son
of God.
2 Nephi 11. 6, 7 my soul delighteth in proving to my people,
that, save Christ should come, all men must perish.
25. 25 because of our faith we are made alive in Christ. 2t3.
26. 8 forward to Christ with steadfastness, they are they who
shall not perish.
31. 19 ye have not come thus far except by unshaken faith in
Christ.
32. 5 receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you what ye shall do.
33. 4 my words persuade them to believe in Jesus. 7, 10.
Jacob 3. 1 pray to God with great faith.
7. 3 Sherem, knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ, who
should come.
Fmos 1. 8 he said to me, because of thy faith in Christ.
Jarom 1. 11 persuading them to believe in the Messiah to come.
Mos, 4. 2 for we believe in Christ who shall come.
8, 18 God has provided means that man through faith might
work mighty miracles.
Alma 5. 15 do you exercise faith in the redemption of him vvlio
created you? 48.
2
]S FAITH.
13. 10—81 an exhortation to repentance and faith in Christ,
Chap. 22. 14.
25. 15 they looked forward to the coming of Christ.
27. 27 the Lamanites were firm in the faith of Christ.
44. 3 is done to us because of our religion and faith in Christ. ''.
46. 41 those who died in the faith of Clirist are happy in him.
48. 13 Moroni was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.
Hel. 3. 35 they gre^v firmer and firmer in the faith of Clirist.
5. 9 no way a man can be saved, only through Christ who shall
come. 47.
3 Nephi 11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and
Son. 34, 35, 36.
12. 19 that ye shall believe in me and repent of your sins.
17. 8 I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you. 20,
19. 9 they desired .that the Holy Ghost be given unto them.
28 thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of
their faith. 29,35.
27. 19 none can enter the kingdom unless they wash their gar-
ments in the blood of Christ, by faith. 20.
Chap. 28. The three Nephite disciples of Jesus had the faith
that enabled them to receive a change in their bodies, that they
might remain on the earth until his coming.
4 Nephi 1. 48 being constrained by the Holy Ghost, Ammaron
hid up the records.
Mormon 7. 7 Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God. 10.
Ether 5. 4 the Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth record.
Chap. 12. 41.
12. 10 by faith they of old were called after the holy order of
God.
Moroni 6. 4 were v/rought upon and cleansed by the power of
the Holy Ghost. Chap. 7. 32.
8. 7—9 the word of the Lord came by the power of the Holy
Ghost. 26.
10. 4—7 the truth wUl be manifested by the power of the Holy
Ghost.
Motixint Kxih (E'OhtndiVitz.
Sec. 18. 18 ask the Father in faith and you shall receive the
Holy Ghost. 19.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
44. 2 if they exercise faith in me I will pour my Spiiit on them.
45. 8 to those that believe on my name, gave I power to obtain
eternal life.
136. 42 Be diligent in keeping all my commandments lest your
faith fail you.
f jearl of (fEcnat fxin.
Page 2. Moses declared to Satan that he would worship only
the God of glory. God blessed Moses for his faith in liim.
9. Adam and Eve called on the name of the Lord and offered
sacrifice.
Thou skalt call upon God in the name of the Son tor evermore
FAITH. 1 9
13. Adam hearkened to the voice of God and glorified his name.
17. many believed and became the sons of God, manv believed
not and perished.
21. Enoch asked the Lord that he would have mercy on Noah
and his seed, inasmuch as lie was God and he L^new him
24. Noah walked with God, and all his three sons, also
29. through faith in the Lord, Abraham left Ur to go into the
land of Canaan.
NECESSITY OF FAITH IN THE HOLY
PRIESTHOOD.
In every dispensatbn in which God has made
known his will to man, it has been done through a
hving, inspired Priesthood. Passages from the
sacred writings might be multiplied, indefinitely, on
this subject. But this is not necessary, inasmuch
as all the sacred records attest die necessity of an
inspired Priesthood, and obedience to it on the part
of the people, if they would understand the will of
the Lord concerning them.
Fifteen centuries of the history of Israel, from the
Exodus to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Ro-
mans, is a record of adversity through disobedience
to seers and prophets, and of prosperity, the result
of hstening to their teachings.
Mankind, with a wide range of religious tenets,
are instinctively imbued with a sentiment of reverence
and obedience to those who minister in the ordinances
of religion. After the apostacv of the early apostolic
churcn, it had a strong hold on the minds of the peo-
ple^during the supremacy of the Romish church.
^ vVe may consider that this doctrine began to lose
Its hold on the masses of the people, professing Chris-
tianity, after the Reformation and the splitting up of
the Christian world into a great multiplicity of sects.
With the introduction of the Gospel and the Holy
20 FAITH.
Priesthood, through Joseph Smith, Jun., the neces-
sity of faith in a living Priesthood is daily being made
more apparent to the Latter-day Saints.
Bihlt,
Exod. 4. 1 Moses answered, they will not believe. 8, 9, 80, 31.
14. 31 Israel believed the Lord and his servar/t Moses.
19. 9 that the people hear when I speak to thee, and believe
thee for ever.
32. 19—34 the golden calf, and the intercession of Moses for the
people.
Num. 12. 2 hath the Lord, indeed, spoken only by Moses?
Deut. 9. 19, 20 the Lord hearkened to me ; I prayed for Aaron
also.
Josh. 1. 5 as I was with Moses, so I will be with 11 ice.
2 Chron. 20. 20 believe his prophets, so shall ye ])rosper.
Amos 3. 7 but he revealeth his secrets to* his servants the
prophets.
Jonah, Chap. 3. the Ninevites saved by the preaching of Jonah.
Matt. 10. 14, 15 more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha, than
for those who will not hear your words.
40 he that receiveth you receiveth me.
Luke 1. 19 sent to speak to thee, and shew thee these glad tid-
ings. 45.
10. 16 he that heareth you heareth me. 29.
24. 25 O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the pro-
phets have spoken.
John 5. 46 had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me.
13. 20 he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me.
17. 20 but for them, also, which shall believe on me through
their word.
1 Thess. 2. 13 when ye received from us, ye received it as the
word of God.
Heh. 2. 2 for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast?
Booi^ o£ JHoxmoit.
Jacob 1. 19 taking the responsibility of answering the sins of
the people, if we did not teach them the word of the Lord with
all diligence.
2. 2 responsibility of magnifying my office, to rid my garments
of your sins.
3Ios. 2. 28 to assemble together, that I might rid my garments
of your blood.
3 Nephi 12. 1, 2 blessed are ye if ye give heed to the words of
these twelve, whom I have chosen.
13. 25 ye are they whom I have chosen to minister to this
people.
15. 12 ye are my disciples, and a light to tnis neopie
FAITH. 21
jQottrim anb €^ob£itants.
Sec: 1. 4 voice of warning to all people, by the mouth of my
disciples.
8, 9 to them is given power to seal, both on earth and in heaven.
14 they who will not hear prophets and apostles shall be cut off.
17, 30.
2. 1 1 will reveal to you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah.
3. 9 thou art Joseph, and wast chosen to do the work of the
Lord. Sec. 5. 2, 10, 11—18.
10. 33 Satan thinks to overpower your testimony.
19. 13 keep my commandments which you have received by
J. Smith, Jun.
24. 4 if they receive them not, I will curse instead of blessing
them.
28. 2 no one to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith,
Jun. 3.
7 J. Smitli, Jun., has the keys of the revelations which are
sealed, until I shall appoint another in his stead.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel. 7,
10, 12.
42. 61 J. Smith. Jun., to receive revelation, and know the mys-
teries. 69.
43. 3—5 none but Joseph Smith, Jun., appointed to receive rev-
elation. 12.
52. 9 saying none other things than those which the prophets
and apostles have written.
58. 45 behold they shall push the people together from the
ends of the earth.
64. 5 the keys of the mysteries shall not be taken from J. Smith ,
Jun.
65. 2 the keys of the kingdom are committed to man on the
earth.
68. 4 whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the
Holy Ghost shall be scripture and the power of God unto salvation.
75. 20 and they receive you not, shake off the daatof your feet
81. 2 to J. Smith, Jun., I have given the keys belonging to the
Presidency.
81. 64 every soul that believes on your words shall receive the
Holy Ghost. 74.
89 whoso receiveth you receiveth me. 90—95. Sec. 99. 2—4.
90. 3, 4 the keys of the kingdom never to be taken from J.
Smith, Jun. Through him the oracles to be given to the church.
6, 14—16.
103. 25 whomsoever ye curse I will curse.
35 J. Smith, Jun., to organize the kingdom, and establish the
children of Zion.
110. 16 the keys of this dispensation are committed into your
hands.
112. 15 the keys which I have given unto him, and also to you-
ward, shall not be taken from him till I come. 16-21. 30—32.
121. 36 the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected
with the powers of heaven.
124. 58 my servant, Joseph, in thee shall the kingdoms of the
earth be blessed.
22 FAITH.
128 the Twelve hold the keys of the kingdom upon the four
comers of the earth.
133. 26 the prophets of the north countries shall hear his voice,
and shall no longer stay themselves.
136. 37 ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my
words, from the days of Adam to Joseph Smith, Jun., whom I
called on by my angels.
Hah. 2. 4 the just shall live by faith. Rom, 1. 17. Gal. 3. 11.
Heh. 10. 38.
Matt. 6. 30 shall he not much more clothe you, 0 ye of little
faith? Luke 12. 28.
8. 10 not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke 7. 9.
17. 20 if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.
21. 21 if ye have faith, not only do this, but say to this moun-
tain.
Mark 4. 40 how is it that ye have no faith?
Luke 18. 8 when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on
the earth?
Acts 15. 9 purifying their hearts by faith. ^
26. 18 inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.
Rom. 3. 3 shall unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 27.
4. 5 his faith is counted to him for righteousness, 9—16.
10. 17 so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God.
14. 22 hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. 23.
1 Cor. 2. 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of
men.
16. 13 watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong.
2 Cor. 4. 13 we having the same spirit of faith.
5. 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Gal. 3. 2 received ye the spirit by works of the law, or by faith ?
5—25.
5. 5 we wait for the hope of righteousness bv faith. 6, 22.
Eph. 6. 16 above all taking the shield of faith. 23.
Phil. 3. 9 the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God
by faith.
1 Thess. 1. 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith.
5. 8 putting on the breastplate of faith and love.
2 Thess. 1. 4 we glory for your patience and faith in your perse-
cutions. 11.
ITim.l. 5 of a good conscience and faith unfeigned. 14, 19.
Chap. 3. 9.
2 Tim. 3. 8 men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the
faith. 10.
4. 7 I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Titus 1. 13 rebuke sharply fJiat they may be sound in the faith.
Heh. 4. 2 the word did not profit, not being mixed with faith.
6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance and faith.
Chap. 11. by faith the worlds were created, the violence of fire
quenched, the armies of the aliens put to flight, kingdoms sub-
dued, &c
12. 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
FAITH. 23
James 1. 6 let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
2. 5 hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faitli.
5. 15 the prayer of faith shall save the sick.
1 Peter 1. 5 kept, by the power of God through faith unto salva-
tion. 7, 9, 21.
5. 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith.
2 Peter 1. 5 add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.
1 John 5. 4 this is the victory that overcometh the world, even
our faith.
Jude 3. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the
Saints.
Rev. 13. 10 here is the patience and faith of the Saints. Chap.
14. 12.
Book of ;fHormon.
1 Nephi 7. 12 the Lord can do all things for men through their
faith.
16. 28 the pointers on the ball worked according to their
faith. 29.
2 Nephi 1. 10 having power given them to do all things by faith.
27. 23 God works not among the children of men save it be ac-
cording to their faith.
Jacob 1. 5 manifest to us by faith, what should happen to our
people.
Enos 1. 12—18 through faith Enos obtained a promise that the
records should be preserved to come forth to the Lamanites.
Mos. 4. 6 that salvation might come to him who continues in
faith to the end. 21, 30.
Alma 7. 6 look forward for the remission of sins, with an ever-
lasting faith.
12. 30 plan of salvation made known according to men's faith.
33, 34, 37.
13. 2, 3, 4 men called to the Holy Priesthood according to their
faith.
18. 35 the Spirit gives knowledge and power according to faith.
32. 18 I ask, Is this faith ? if a man knoweth a thing, he has no
cause to believe. 21, 20, 27.
^8 — 43 faith illustrated by a parable of a seed.
57. 21—27 through faith the young Ammonites were preserved
in battle.
Hel. 5. 20—52 deliverance of Nephi and Lehi from prison
through their great faith.
6. i the Lamanites exceeded the Nephites in righteousness on
account of their great faith.
Morrami 3. 12 it was without faith because of the hardness of
their hearts.
8. 24 he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they re-
move mountains.
Ether 3. This chapter gives an account of great manifestations
to the brother of Jared, on account of his great faith.
12. 4—33 many examples given of the power of faith.
Moroni 7. 21 — 44 instructions on faith.
8. 3 will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name
2A FAITH.
10. 4 if ye ask, having faith, he will manifest the truth to you.
7, 11.
Sec. 1. 21 that faith might also increase in the earth.
4. 5 faith, hope, charity, love, &c., qualify him for the work.
Sec. 6. 19, and 12. 8.
8. 10 without faith you can do nothing; ask in faith. 11.
26. 2 all things to be done by common consent, by much praver
and faith.
27. 17 taking the shield of laith, wherewith to quench the fierv^
darts of the wicked.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
52. 20 the days have come when according to men's faith it
shall be done unto them.
103. 36 all victory is brought to pass through your diligeiu^e
and prayers of faith.
FAITH IN CONTINUAL REVELATION.
Num. 11. 29 Moses said, would that all the Lord's people were
prophtits.
J^Gv. 29. 18 where there is no vision the people perish.
Mark 16. 17 and these signs shall follow them that believe.
John 14. 12 he that believeth on me shall do the works that 1
do. and greater.
16. 13 Spirit of truth will teach you all things.
Acts 2. 39 the promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall
call.
Eom. 1. 17 for therein is the righteousness of God revealed,
from faith to faith.
3. 22 the righteousness of God is unto all, and upon all that
believe.
Eph. 3. 19 that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
James 1. 5 if any lack wisdom let him ask of God.
1 John 2. 27 the anointing which you have received teacheth
you all things.
BSook of JHormoix.
1 Nephi 10. 17—19 the gifts and mysteries of God to be unfolded
to all men and in all times, to those who diligently seek them.
(
FAITH. 25
12. 18 the Messiah of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record
from the beginning until this time, henceforth and forever.
22. 2 by the Spirit are all tilings made known to the prophets.
2 Nephi 4. 35 God will give liberally to him that asketh.
26. 13 Christ manifesteth himself by the power of the Holy
Ghost, to all who believe on him.
27. 23 that I am the same yesterday, to-day and forever. Chap.
29. 9.
28. 29 wo be to him that shall say, we have received the word
of God and need no more. 30.
29. 6 thou fool that shall say, we have a Bible and need no
more. 7 — 12.
Alma 39. 19 is it not as easy for the Lord to declare these things
to u> as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?
3 Nephi 27. 29 for he that asketh receiveth ; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened.
Mormon 9. 7—11 God, a God of miracles, revelations and pro-
phecy, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. 15—19. Morom
10. 19.
Moroni 7. 29 have miracles ceased, or have angels ceased to
minister to men because Christ has ascended to heaven? 37, 38.
©Dxtrint aitli Cobfttantj^.
Sec, 1. 11 the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth. 20.
11. 25 wo to him that denieth the Spirit of revelation and pro-
phecy.
20. 11 that God inspires men to do his work In this generation,
as well as in generations of old. 12—17.
26—28 not only those who are but w^ho have been and who
shall be, who believe in the gifts and callings of God, shall be
saved.
35 diminishing nothing from the revelations of John, or from
the revelations of God which shall come hereafter, by the power
of the Holy Ghost.
35. 8 will show miracles and wonders unto all who believe on
my name.
42. 61 if thou Shalt ask thou shalt receive revelation upon
revelation. 67, 68.
50. o5 by giving heed to what you have received, and shall
hereafter receive.
59. 4 with conunandments not a few, and witli revelations in
their time.
70. 3 revelations which I have given tlum, and which I shall
hereafter give.
See sermon by H, C. Kimrall, J, of D,, Vol. p, pai^e 220.
" J. " /97.
O, Spencer s Letters to Rev. W. Crowell^ No, j.
A Pam'phlet, by O. Pratt, on Faith.
Article hy F, D, Richards, Mil. Star, Vol. 2g, page 681.
26 REPENT ANUE.
REPENTANCE.
The Nephite prophet, Alma, gives a very compre-
hensive idea of the importance of repentance. *' Yea,
I would that ye would come forth and harden not
your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time,
and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye
will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately
shall the great plan of redemption be brought about
unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to
prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this
life is the day for men to perform their labors. And
now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so
many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye
do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until
the end; for after this day of life, which is given us
to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve
our time while in this life, then cometh the night of
darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed.
Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful
crisis, that 1 will repent, that I will return to my God.
Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which
doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this
life, that same spirit will have power to possess your
body in that eternal world. For behold, if ye have
procrastinated the day of your repentance, even until
death, behold, ye have become subject to the spirit of
the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the
Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath
no place in you, and the devil hath all power over
you; and this is the final state of che wicked." Alma
34. 31-35-
" For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salva-
tion not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the
world worketh death;" 2 Cor. 7. 10. Of the sorrow
that worketh death was that of Judas; Matt, 27. 3 — 5
In some passages of the Scriptures repentance signi-
REPENTANCE. 27
fies a change of purpose in man, as in the case of the
son who refused to work in his father's vineyard, but
afterwards repented and went; 21. 28, 29.
Again, it expresses the sympathy of the Lord for
the sufferings of his people: '- For the Lord heark-
ened because of their groanings by reason of them
that oppressed them;" Jtidge^ 2, 18. It sometimes
expresses sympathy in man for the sufferings of
others: ^^And the people repented them for Benja-
min, because that the Lord had made a breach in the
tribes of Israel;" 21. 15.
In the history of the deliverance of Israel from
Egypt, we are informed that Pharaoh's heart was
hardened, so that he would not let the people go. We
are evidently to understand by this, that on account
of the great wickedness of the Egyptians, the Lord
did not soften their hearts by the gentle influences of
his Spirit, but permitted them to pursue their own
chosen way and suffer the consequences.
We read in the Revelations of St. John: ^^And
the rest of the men which were not killed by these
plagues yet repented not of the works of their
nands;'' 9. 20. "And blasphemed the God of heaven
because of their pains and their sores, and repented
not of their deeds;" 16. 11. These, hke the Egyp-
tians, had passed the day of repentance, and were
left to reap the reward of their wickedness.
On account of their former wickedness, it was all
the converted Lamanites could do to repent: Alma
24. II.
Repentance is a gift of God: "Then hath God
also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto hfe;"
Acts II. 18. "If God peradventure will give them
repentance to thft acknowledging of the truth;" 2
Tim. 2. 25. "Not knowing that the goodness of God
leadeththem to repentance;" Rom, 2. 4. That is,
the Lord grants to men of his Holy Spirit to soften
their hearts and enhghten their understandings, that
they may see and receive the truth, if they will; but
his Spirit will not always strive with man. Confes-
sion of sin, and restitution to the injured party, was
early made a standing law in Israel; Nta^i, 5. 6, 7.
28 REPENTANCE.
Confession is one of the outward evidences of a
godly sorrow for sin: ''For with the heart man be-
lieveth unto righteousness; and with the mouth con-
fession is made unto salvation;" Ro?n,io,\Q, "Con-
fess your faults one to another, and uray for one an-
other, that ye may be healed;'' yames 5. 16.
On account of the magnitude of sins committed,
repentance is not always followed by forgiveness and
restoration. For instance, when Peter was preaching
to the Jews, who had slain Jesus and taken his blood
on themselves and their children, he did not say, re-
pent and be baptized for the remission of sins; but
*' Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing
shall come from the presence of the Lord; and
(when) he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was
preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive
until the times of the restitution of all things;" Acts
3. 19 — 21. That is, repent now, and believe in Jesus
Christ, that you may be forgiven when he whom you
have slain shall come again in the days of the resti-
tution of all things; and prescribe to you the terms
on which you may be saved.
1 Kings 8, 47 if they repent in the land of their captivity.
Job 42. 6 I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.
Psolm 106. 45 repented according to the multitude of his mer-
cies.
110. 4 the Lord hath sworn and will not repent. Heh. 7. 21.
Ezk. 14. 6 repent and turn from your idols. Chap. 18. 30,
24. 14 neither will I spare, neither will I repent.
Matt. 3. 2 repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Chap. 4. 17.
8 bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Luke 3. 8.
9. 13 not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Luke
5. 32.
11. 20 because they repented not. 21. LukelO. 13.
" 12. 41 the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this gen-
eration. Luke 11. 32.
Mark 1. 15 repent ye and believe the Gospel.
6. 12 they went and preached that men should repent.
Luke 13. 3 except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. 5.
15. 7 over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-nine that
need no repentance.
16. 30 if one went unto them from the dead they will repent.
REPENTANCE.
976969
17. 3 If thy brother trespass against thee, and repent, forgive
him. 4.
Acts 17. 30 times of ignorance God winked at but now com-
mands men to repent.
26. 20 to the Gentiles that they should do works meet for re-
pentance.
Eom. 2. 4 not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee
to repentance.
2 Cor. 7. 9 but that ye sorrowed to repentance.
10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be re-
pented of.
Heb. 6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance from
dead works. 6.
12. 17 he found no place of repentance though he sought it.
2 Peter 3. 9 that any should perish, but all should come to re-
pentance.
Eev. 3. 3 remember how thou hast received ; hold fast and
repent.
19 those I love I chasten ; be zealous, therefore, and repent.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 10. 18 the way is prepared for all men if they will re-
pent.
22. 28 shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel, if they will
repent.
2 Nephi 2. 21 he gave commandment that all men should re-
pent.
9. 24 if they will not repent and be baptized they must be
damned.
30. 2 the Gentiles that will repent are the covenant people of
the Lord.
Jacob 3. 3 except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes.
Mos. 4. 10 believe that you must repent of your sins, and for-
sake them. 18.
12. 8 unless they repent I will utterly destroy them. 12.
18. 7 Alma preached repentance at the waters of Mormon.
20 he commanded they should preach nothing but repentance
and faith.
26. 22 shall be baptized unto repentance.
27. 24 Alma said I have repented of my sins and been re-
deemed.
29. 19 were it not for the interposition of the Creator because
of their repentance.
Alma 5. 31—33 repentance necessary to salvation. 49—56.
7. 9 the Spirit saith repent, prepare the way of the Lord.
9. 12 except ye repent ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom
of God.
12. 15 power to save all that bring forth fruit meet for repent-
ance.
24 this life a probationary state for repentance.
22. 6 will repent ye shall be saved.
26. 22 to him that repenteth is g^iven to know the mysteries of
God.
30 REPENTANCE.
27. 23 because of their sore repentance on account of their
many murders.
29. 1, 2 that I were an angel to cry repentance to all people.
34. 31—35 to delay repentance until death is to become subject
to the devil.
42. 4 there was a probationary time granted to man for repent-
ance. 5, 13.
16 repentance could not come unto men except there was a
punishment.
Hel. 5. 11 he hath power to redeem them from their sins be-
cause of repentance.
7. 17 O repent ye ! why will ye die ?
19—24, 28 the Nephites warned o± great destruction, unless they
would repent.
8. 7 the things he saith will come to pass unless we repent. 26,
10. 11 Nephites to be smitten unless they would repent. 17.
11. 8—17 the Lord turned away the famine from the Nephites
because of repentance.
12. 22—24 that men might be saved, hath repentance been de-
clared.
13. 2 Samuel preached repentance to the people of Zara-
hemla. 6.
14. 17, 18 the resurrection of Christ brings to pass the conditions
of repentance.
oNephid. 2 wo to the inhabitants of the earth unless they^
repent. 13, 22.
10. 6 how oft will I gather you if ye will repent. Matt. 23. 37.
16. 13 if the Gentiles will repent they shall be numbered with
my people.
18. 16 as I pray, ye shall pray among those who repent and are
baptized. 30—32.
23. 5 he who repents and is baptized shall be saved.
26. 17 whoso repents and is baptized shall be filled.
Mormon 2. 8 although destruction hung over the Nephites they
would not repent. 10—13.
3. 22 I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to
repent.
5, 22 how can ye stand before the power of God except ye
repent? 24.
7. 3 ye must come to repentance or ye cannot be saved. 5, 7, 8.
Ether 2. 11 may repent and not continue in your iniquities,
until the fulness come.
5. 5 if so be they repent and come unto the Father.
7. 23 there came prophets warning the people to repent. 25, 26.
8. 23 that things may be shown to you tiiat ye may repent,
11. 1 many prophecies of the destruction of the people, unless
they should repent. 6, 8, 12, 20.
12. 3 Ether exhorted the people to believe in God unto repent-
ance.
Moroni 6. 7 if they repented not their names were blotted
out. 8.
8. 24 repentance is unto those who are under the curse of a
broken law. 25.
REPENTANCE, 3I
^ozixim aitibr QJ^tihtUKuts.
Sec. 1. 32, 33 from him that repents not shall be taken the lij^ht
he has received. Sec. 5. 21.
3. 10 God commanded Joseph Smith, Jun., to repent.
5. 19 a desolating scourge shall go forth if they repent not.
19. 4 every one must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.
S , 15.
20. 29 all men must repent and endure in faith, or they cannot
be saved.
29. 17 1 will take vengeance on the wicked for they will not
repent.
44 they cannot be redeemed because they repented not. 49.
33. 10 repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
39. 18 inasmuch as they repent, I will stay mine hand in iudg-
ment. "* *
42. 77 if not married, they shall repent and ye shall receive
them.
.. S- T^ ^^^^^^ *^^ nations to repent. Prepare, for the great day
of the Lord. 21, 22. 1 » & .?
64. 3 if your brethren desire to escape their enemies let them
repent.
S' i^ TgP^^* speedily, lest judgment come on them as a snare.
68. 24 If he repent he shall be forgiven, according to the cove-
nants. ^
75. 29 the idler shall not have place in the church, except he
repent.
84. 57 to remain under condemnation, until they repent 76.
. . ^- ^4 your brethren in Zion begin to repent and the angels re-
joice. 35. ^
98. 21 will chasten them if they do not repent and observe all
things.
109. 21 when thy people trangress, they may speedily repent
and return unto thee. 29. -^ i- j y
52/^rn*^^^.^9]^^^ ^^?^ may repent, if repentance can be found. 53.
124. oO visit on the heads of those who hindered my work if
they repent not. 52, 116.
io?* ir ^^ c^^i^a^^eth all men, everywhere, to repent.
136. 35 then- sorrow shall be great unless they repent speedily.
f iearl o£ (^xtKt l^xin,
^^^i^of?'^n^/'^^?.'^^°^ ^^^^* ^^Pe^^ and call upon God.
lo. Adam called on his sons to repent
14. the sons of Adam called on all men to repent.
r^a-nf a^io.^^-?."'^^'^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^rs that all men must re-
pent leach It to your children that all men must repent.
.r^i?' *i?^ -il ^^^^ *^ Enoch, say to this people repent, lest I
n^n to ?Sent ^ ''''^'^- ^^ ''''^^'''^ '''' ^^^ ^""^ ^^^ P^^P^^ ^^ ^^^-
Rnrft* rf-n^rffof^V^i J^^P^i^ J ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ A^ods upon them
For it repenteth Noah that I have created them.
History of Joseph Smith, Sept, /, j8j^.
A Pamphlet by O. Pratt, on Repentance,
33 BAPTISM.
BAPTISM.
NECESSITY OF BAPTISM.
That Gospel baptism is necessary to salvation, is
abundantly evidenced in the sacred writings. Christ,
the highest authority known to man, asserted this
most emphatically when he said to Nicodemus,
^' Verily, verily^ 1 say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God; " John 3. 5.
So important did the Savior consider baptism,
that when he went to John to be baptized, and John
forbade him, he replied to him, **Suffer // to be so
now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteous-
ness; " Matt, 3. 13 — 15. In this he taught John the
doctrine that a fulness of righteousness or salvation,
could not be received without it.
The prophet Nephi, who lived nearly 600 years
before the birth of our Savior, clearly understood the
necessity of baptism. Said he, "And now, if the
Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be
baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then,
how much more need have we, being unholy, to be
baptized, yea, even by water; " 2 Nephi 31.5.
The prophet Mormon, who lived nearly 1,000
years after Nephi, also taught the necessity of fol-
lowing the example of our Savior in being baptized,
first, by water; Mormon 7. 10.
In the opening up of the latter-day dispensation,
the Lord said to his prophet Joseph, "Whosoever
beheveth on my words them will I visit with the
manifestation of my Spirit, and they shall be born of
me, even of water and of the Spirit; " Voe. <Sr» Cov,
s. 16.
BAPTISM. 33
The Lord^in a revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun.,
and Sidney Rigdon, speaking of those who should be
worthy to come forth in the resurrection of the just,
says, "They are they who received the testimony of
Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized
after the manner of his burial, being buried in the
water in his name; " 76. 51.
mm.
Matt. 28. 19 go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing
them.
Mark 16. 16 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.
John 1. S3 he that sent me to baptize with water.
Acts 2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were bap-
tizcd.
1 Cor. 12. 13 for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.
Gal. 3. 27 as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put
on Christ.
Eph. 4. 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
1 Peter 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth now
save us.
Book of JHormon.
2 Nepki 31. 11 the Father said, repent, and be baptized.
17 the gate by which ye shall enter is repentance and baptism.
Alma 5. 62 be baptized unto repentance.
l>. 27 Cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto re-
pentance.
3 Nephi 18. 5 one shall be ordained to break bread, and give to
those wlio are baptized in my name.
^ 28. 18 uniting to the church those who believe on their preach-
ing, baptizing them.
Mormon 9, 29 see that ye are not baptized unworthily.
Moroni 6. 1—4 explains who are fit subjects for baptism.
8. 4—22 the reasons given why little children are not fit subjects
for baptism.
jPoftrin^ranlr Cobtnantjer.
Sec. 68. 8 preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
112. 29 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; he that
believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned.
128 12 baptism by immersion necessary to answer to the like-
ness 9f the dead, that one principle might accord with the other.
Also m likeness of the resurrection of the dead, in coming forth
out of their graves. This passage explains and beautifully ac<A)rds
with Rom. 6. 4, and Col. 2. 12.
34 BAPTISM,
^tarl of (Snat ^liu.
Page 16. the Holy Spirit promised to Adam, if he would repent
and be baptized. Explanation of tlie necessii\' of being born of
water and of the Spirit.
17. gives an account of the baptism of Adam.
MODE OF BAPTISM.
Not only is the necessity of baptism taught us by
the highest possible authority, but, as well, ihe man-
ner in which that ordinance is to be administered.
Adam, the Father of the race, set an example
for all his children to follow. '^ And it came to
pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our
father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was
caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was car-
ried down into the water, and was laid under the
water, and was brought forth out of the water. And
thus he was baptized; and the Spirit of God des-
cended upon him, and thus he was born of the
Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man;"
P. of G, P., p. 17.
Christ went where John was baptizing in the river
iordan, to be baptized of him, and '' when he was
aptized, went up straightway out of the water;"
Matt, 3. 16, That he was immersed, or buried in
the water, is evident from the sayings of the Apostle
Paul, ^'Therefore we are buried with him. by bap-
tism into death: that Hke as Christ was raised up
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so
we also should walk in newness of life. For if we
have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his reszirrec-
Hon;'*'' Roth, 6. 4, 5. ** Buried with him in baptism,
wherein also ye are risen with hi^n through the faith
of the operation of God; " Col. 2. 12.
The meaning of these passages is evident. If we
would come forth in the resurrection in the likeness
of Christ, we must, like him, be buried in the water,
BAPTISM. 2S
and come forth out of the water, in the h'keness of his
burial and resurrection.
The Nephites knew no other mode of Gospel bap-
tism than immersion. Said Jesus to his Nephite dis-
ciples, ^'And then shall ye immerse them in the
water, and come forth again out of the water-" i
Nephi II. 26. ^ ^
When our Savior sent forth his Jewish disciples
to preach the Gospel, he authorized them to baptize
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost; Matt, 28. 19. He instructed his Nephite dis-
ciples to use the following words, " Having authority
given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen;" 3 A^^//z/ii. 25.
^ Quite explicit instructions on this subject are
given to the Latter-dav Saints in the Doc, &^ Cov.:
"- 1 he person who is called of God, and has authority
from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the
water with the person who has presented him or her-
self for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by
name— Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I
baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and ot the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he
immerse him or her in the water, and come forth
again out of the water; " 20. 'j-^, 74.
Under date of May, 1829, we find the followinor
account of the baptism of J. Smith, Jun., and d*
Cowdery, being the first baptisms in the Church of
Jesus Christ ot Latter-day Saints: ^« Accordino-ly
we went and were baptized, I baptized him fi?st,
and afterwards he baptized me, after which T laid
my hands upon his head and ordained him to the
Aaronic Priesthood, afterwards he laid his hands
on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood— for
so were we commanded. * * * It was on the
fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained
under the hand of the Messenger, and baptized.
Immediately on our coming up out of the water, after
we had been baptized, we experienced great and glo-
rious blessings."
A.
^ BAPTISM,
Matt. 3. 6 all baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
3. 13 then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John.
John 3. 23 John was baptizing in Enon near Salem, because
there was much water there.
Acts 8. 38, 39 Philip went down into the water with the eu-
nuch.
22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.
1 Cor. 10. 2 all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
Titus 3. 5 by the washing of regeneration and rene\ving of the
Holy Ghost.
Book o! IKorntoit.
Mos. 18. 12—17 a description of the manner in which Alma
baptized the Lamanites in the waters of Mormon.
26. 15 blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of
Mormon.
Alma 4. 4 many were baptized by Alma in the river Sidon.
3 Nephi 11. 23—28 conditions for and form of baptism.
19. Il-rl3 Nephi, and his brethren, went down into the water,
and came up out of the water.
V
f jearl of (Kr^at ^xizz.
Page 17. Adam was laid under the water, and brought forth
out of the water.
18. Enoch was commanded to baptize in the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
The primary aim and end of baptism is the remis-
sion of sins. This subject is fully explained by che
Lord to our Father Adam. '^ Therefore I give unto
you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto
your children, saying, That by reason of transgres-
sion cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and
inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water,
and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so
became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born
again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of
the spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood
^ BAPTISM. J/
of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified
from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in
this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even
immortal glory: For by the Vv^ater ye keep the com-
mandment; by the spirit ye are justified, and by the
blood ye are sanctified; therefore it is given to abide
in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the
peaceable things of immortal glory;" P. of G. P.^
p. i6.
The above quotation is full of meaning, but it is
evident, at once, that the object of baptism is to open
the way through which, -alone, men may attain to ail
the blessings of salvation and eternal life. It was
especially the mission of John the Baptist to preach
the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Mark I. 4.
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter very
earnestly exhorted the multitude, '^Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins; " Acts 2. 38.
The Apostle Paul says, " Without shedding of
blood is no remission;" Heb. 9. 22. John the Apos-
tle also asserts the same doctrine: '^The blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin;" i
John 1.7. It is evident, fit)m the tenor of the sacred
writings, that only by being buried with Christ in
water, by baptism, is the shedding of his blood avail-
able to man for the remission of sins.
BiibU.
Luke 3. 3 John preached the baptism of repentance, for tlie
remission of sins.
Aci^ 22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away your sins.
Eph, 5. 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the wash-
ing of water.
T'duii 0. 5 by the washing of regeneration.
1 Peter 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also
now save us.
Booi^ of JHoxmoTt.
2 Ne^hi 31. 17 after baptism by water, cometh the remission of
sins.
38 BAPTISM. •
Alma 7. 14 be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed
from your sins.
3 Nephi 1. 23 baptism unto repentance, in which there was a
remission of sins.
7. 25 baptism by water, a witness of repentance and a remis-
sion of sins.
18. 30 the sacrament to be administered only to those who have
been baptized.
30. 2 come to me and be baptized, for the remission of sins.
Moroni 8. 11 baptism and fulfilling the commandments brii^-
eth remission of sins.
Sec. 19. 81 Shalt declare repentance and remission of sins by
baptism and by fire.
55. 2 repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism.
68. 27 children to be baptized for remission of sins when eight
years old.
76. 51, 52 baptism and remission of sins necessary, in order to
come forth in the resurrection of the just.
84. 27 the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and remission
of sins.
74 those not baptized for the remission of sins shall be damned.
Matt. 3. 7 when he saw Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
baptism.
20. 22 are ye able to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized
with? 3fark 10. 39.
21. 25 the baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men ?
Mark 11. 30. Luke20. 4.
28. 19 go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them.
Mark 1. 8 I, indeed, have baptized you with water.
Luke 3. 7 said he to the multitude that came to be baptized of
him. 12.
16 John answered, I indeed baptize you with water. 21.
7. 29 the publicans justified God, being baptized with the bap-
tism of John. 30.
12. 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with.
Johnl. 25 why baptizest thou, if thou be not the Christ?
26 1 baptize with water, but there standeth one among you. 28.
S3 he that sent me to baptize with water, said to me ;
3. 22 there he tarried with them and baptized. 23.
4. 1 that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.
Acts 1. 5 John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized
with the Holy Ghost. 22.
2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
8. 12 when they believed Phil ip they were baptized, both men
and women. 13.
16 as yet he was fallen on none of them, only they were bap-
tized.
BAPTISM. 39
86 see, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized ?
9. 18 Saul received sisht and arose and was baptized.
10, 37 that word published throughout all Judea, after the bap-
tism John preached. 47.
16. 15 Lydia, when she was baptized, and her household, be-
sought U-. oX
18. 8 many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. 25.
1 Cor. 1 . 13 or were ye baptized in the name of Paul ? 14, 16, 17.
12. 13 for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.
Gal. 3. 27 as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put
on Christ.
Eph. 4. 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Heb, 6. 2 of the doctrine of baptism and laying on of hands.
Boolt of JHormon.
1 Xephi 10. 9 my father said, he should baptize in Bethabary
beyond Jordan; also, that he should baptize the Messiah with
water. 10.
2 Nephi 31. 4 the prophet the Lord showed me should baptize
the Lamb of God. 6—10, 13.
14 if ye should deny me after being baptized with water and
the Holy Ghost, better if ye had not known me.
Mos. 18. 10 what have you against being baptized in the name
of the Lord?
21. 33 many desirous of being baptized, but there was none
having authority. 35.
25. 17, 18 Alma baptized the people of Limhi.
Alma 7. 15 baptism a witness that we covenant with God to
keep his commandments.
15. 13 Alma consecrated priests and teachers, to baptize unto
the Lord.
19. 35 the Lamanites that believed were baptized, and became
a righteous people. 36.
Hel. 16. 1 when they found Nephi they desired to be baptized. 3.
3 Nephi 11. 21, 22 the Lord gave Nephi, and others, power to
baptize.
12. 1 Jesus called twelve and gave them authority to baptize.
19. 10—13 Nephi, and all those whom Jesus had chosen, were
baptized.
2G. 17 the disciples whom Jesus had chosen began to baptize as
many as came to them.
27. 1 as the disciples were journeying and baptizing in the
name of Jesus.
28. 18 uniting to the church those who believed on their preach-
ing, baptizing them.
Mormon 7. 10 are first baptized with water, following the exam-
ple of our Savior.
9. 29 see that ye are not baptized unworthily.
Moroni 6. 1 — 4 explains who are fit subjects for baptism.
8. 4—22 why little children are not fit subjects for baptism.
40 BAPTISM.
Mf^tUint attJb €^Jobxuaiitj5. .
Sec. 18. 7 as thou hast been baptized by my servant, J. Smith,
Jun.
20. 37 qualifications neces.saiy for baptism and reception into
the church.
38—58 duties of the Priesthood in connection with baptism.
68 duty of members after they receive baptism.
22. 1, 2 old covenants of no avail ; necessary to be baptized to
enter the new covenant.
89. 20 go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way. 23.
52. 10 let them go, two by two, baptizing by water and laying
on hands.
134. 12 not lawfiil to baptize bond servants, without consent of
their masters.
See Testimonies of ancient and modern authors in relation
to baptism^ Mil, Star, Vol, 21, pages 68y, ^21, 75^, '/68, 801,
8jj, and Vol, 22 ^ pages 44, 142; 4^1.
O, Spencer* s Letters to Rev. Wm, Crowel^ No 4*
A Pamphlet by O. Pratt,
History of y. Smith, Mar. 20, 1842m
Mil, Star, Vol. jj, pages 65, 82.
Article by N. Williams, Mil, Star, Vol, 41, page 84.
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
A prominent feature in the plan of redemption is
the vicarious nature of the labors of Christ, and his
ministers, for the salvation of men. In his death and
resurrection, Christ did that for men v^rhich they
could not do for themselves. In all dispensations of
the Priesthood, it has been the duty of those officiat-
ing in its ordinances to act for others, when they
could not act for themselves.
Under the Mosaic law, the tribe of Levi was set
apart, to make it the special business of their lives,
in all their generations, to understand its ordinances
and ceremonies that they might be capable of acting
in behalf of the people, who were engaged in the or-
dinary avocations of life. This labor was accepted
by the Lord, in behalf of the people, as though they
had done it for themselves.
BAPTISM. 41
The ordinances described in the i6th chap, of
Lev.^ which the High Priest was required to perform
as an atonement for the sins of the house of Israel,
clearly illustrates this principle. It is said of the
scapegoat, ''And Aaron shall lay both his hands
upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him
all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all
their transgressions in all their sins, putting them
upon the head of the goat, and shali send him away
by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness; " 16. 21.
This confession of the sins of the people, by the
High Priest, was a vicarious work, and was accepted
by the Lord as though they had confessed their own
sins, with their hands upon the head of the goat — a
work evidently impracticable for them to do.
The vicarious nature of the sufferings of Christ
are clearly foretold in the prophetic vision of Isaiah:
'' Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of
God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed; '^ 53. 4, 5. The same pro-
phet speaking further of Christ says, that he should
be ^* For a covenant of the people, for a hght of the
Gentiles; " 42. 6. Evidently referring to his earthly
mission in which this was literally fulfilled.
At the time when this should take place, there
was another labor which he was to perform. He was
"To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners
from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of
the prison house; " verse 7. This passage informs
us that there was a class of persons who were con-
fined in a dark, benighted prison, who were to be de-
livered when Christ should be "For a covenant of
the people, for a light of the Gentiles."
The Apostle Peter informs us that Jesus, between
his death and resurrection, when his spirit was free
from his body, went and preached to the spirits in
prison. " For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the
42 BAPTISM.
Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the
spirits m pnson; " i Pet. 3. 18, 19/ In the context
he mforms us that these spirits were those Cf the
'''?he' trj'%^T\^T' '^ '""^ d^y^ of Noah
Ihe Apostle Peter had no narrow views of the
ferin. u^f'^''?!-^^'-,^'^^'? ^^ ^P^^ks of Christ suf!
ering, "the just tor the un ust," he makes no disrrim
inat.on in favor of the living.' For ?he assertion 7s
sweeping and universal, that'christ died for a else
wha_t proht could .here be in Christ's preacWng to thi
spirits in prison, unless the way was opened for them
to receive the ordinances and blessings of the Go^
pel, m common with the living?
Peter positively informs us that the Gospel was
preached to the dead, and the reason why, "For for
are'd?.'rtlT,?,L^' Gospel preached also to them that
fntlfe flesh h,.r^ "'«^' ^? J"^&^^ according to men
in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit; "
4- 0. If they are judged according to men in the
flesh It would evidently be unjust, if they Should no^
have the benefit of all the ordinances and priv leges
Ee r'i^'" ' • '^^"^i"g- To the question,^ fan
the dead receive the ordinances of the Gospel? there
wo-rk's^'flhritvi^r^^-'^ ^"^^= '^ ^'^^'^^
m^MfL^^'^ ^u^'- ^''?'^ ^'^^* the Gospel was
fu2.A i-^ -'P'"^^ "^ P""''"' that they might be
pf,fHnf "'''■'''"^/°T"i" ^^'^ ^esh, but the Apostle
disninc t™' "V'^^^-^^'^ ^'■"' Gospel ordinance, of all
«m^n^ fi! °r~^^Pi'""' ^^^ administered by proxy
among the former-day Saints. ^
thi^fn^^q!'-'"^ °i r^^f resurrection, he asks the Corin-
thian Saints, " Else what shall they do which are
ar? tt'v fr 'I' '^'■'"^'■'i '^' d^^d rise^not at ^1? why
are they then baptized for the dead?" i Cor. li. 20
That IS, of what utility are baptisms for the dead, if
V nl-fi "° ''f "erection? This doctrine was evident-
L/C, •^"■ange. nor new to those to whom the
Apostles were writing.
die^^fJ""'^^" 'T' ".^"i ^° *^'^ ^"'l Christ both
K "l^i^' ,and revived, that he might be Lord
both 01 the dead and living; " AW. 14T 9. If this
BAPTISM, 43
passage asserts anything, it is that Christ died for the
dead as well as the living-. Again, there is here no
discrimination made in favor of the living.
Jesus gave some light on this subject, when talk-
ing with the Jews on marrying and the resurrection:
*^ Neither can they die any more: for they are equal
unto the angels; and are the children of God, being
the children of the resurrection. •=• •••* '^ For he is
not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live
unto him;" Luke 20, 36,38. The following may be
inferred from these passages: that notwithstanding
men die, they must live unto God through the resur-
rection, and as myriads have died without a knowl-
edge of the Gospel, they must have an opportunity
of enjoying its blessings, in order to live unto God,
after they have come forth from the dead.
The prophet Malachi, in vision, saw our day, over
2200 years ago. In the closing chapter of his pro-
phecy and of the Old Testament, he says, '' For, be-
hold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and
all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be
stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up,
saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them nei-
ther root nor branch ; " 4. i. But there is another
important event to take place before that day, as we
learn in verses 5 & 6: '* Behold, I will send you Eli-
jah the prophet before the coming of the great and
dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart
of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the
earth with a curse."
Elijah's coming must evidently be to some one
who is prepared to receive him, and to labor in the
great work he is sent to inaugurate, for the expres-
sion, "He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their
fathers," is very comprehensive. It does not discrim-
inate between the living and the dead, between the
past and the future. It pertains to the whole family
of Adam.
Moroni, the heavenly messenger who ministered
to Joseph Smith, Jun., makes the universality of the
44 BAPTISM.
work to be accomplished still plainer: "And he shall
plant in the hearts of the children, the promises
made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children
shall turn to their fathers; if it were not so, the
whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming; ''
F, of G, F.^ p. 50.
'*lt is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth
will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a weld-
ing link of some kind or other, between Ihe fathers
and the children, upon some subject or other, and
behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the
dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect;
neither can they without us be made perfect.
^'Neither can they nor we be made perfect, without
those who have died in the Gospel also; for it is ne-
cessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the
fulness of times; which dispensation is now begin-
ning to usher in, that a whole and complete and per-
fect union, and welding together of dispensations, and
keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and
be revealed from the days of Adam even to the pres-
ent time; and not only this, but those things which
never have been revealed from the foundation of the
world, but have been kept hid from the wise and pru-
dent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in
this the dispensation of the fulness of times ; " Doc,
^ Gov., sec. 128. 18.
The time came for Elijah to appear and fill his
great and glorious mission. The place was prepared,
and the men were there who had the faith to receive
him, and the authority and power he was to bring to
men in the flesh, to administer in the ordinances of
the Gospel for the dead.
He appeared to Joseph, the Seer, and O. Cow-
dery, in the Kirtland Temple, April 3d, 1836, and
said, '^ Behold, the time has fully come, which was
spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that
he (Elijah) should be sent before the great and
dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of
the fathers to the children, and the children to the
fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.
Therefore the keys of this dispensation are com-
BAPTISM.
45
mitted into your hands, and by this ye may know that
the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even
at the doors; " Doc, &^ Cov.^ sec. no. 14, 15, 16.
Ordinances for the salvation of the dead require
temples, or sacred places especially constructed for
their administration. The former-day Saints usually
remained in the same scattered condition in which
they received the Gospel. For these reasons, it is
probable that the doctrines pertaining to the salva-
tion of the dead were imperfectly taught. This may
account for so little being said in tne New Testa-
ment on this subject.
The prophet Joseph has given special instructions
Dn this subject in sees, 127 & 128, Doc. &^ Cov.
See Se?-mo?7 by B. Youn^^ y, of D,^ Vol, j^ page j62.
y-
Smith,
6,
I.
Jos. Young, ••
6.
226,
G,
Q. Cannon,^*
^4>
310.
7-
Taylor, "
15.
284,
w
. Woodruff,^'
16,
263.
0.
Pratt,
18,
41.
B.
Young,
18,
235-
Histor_
' '^ Z\
Smith, Oct. 78,
1840.
( 1
" 31.
184T.
'•
Dec. 13,
184 r.
<i
Mu ok 2j, 1842^
«i
Ap) il zc
, 1842.
( t
Jan, 2}
. LS44,
April 8,
May [2,
1844,
1844,
46 REMISSION OF SINS.
REMISSION OF SINS.
This subject is closely connected with the fall of
man and the atonement of our Savior. The fall was
brought about by a law being given to him, in the
Garden of Eden. He broke that law, and the fall was
the penalty of transgression.
The atonement opens up the way for the removal
of that penalty; and also for the removal of the ef-
fects of men's individual sins through repentance. It
is through obedience to certain laws and ordinances,
deriving their efficacy from the atonement of Christ,
that men's sins are remitted.
Man, in his weak and fallen state, is ever prone to
sin. God, in his great love and mercy, has provided
a w^ay through which his sins may be forgiven.
Besides the outward ordinances of the Gospel, there
are three general conditions which the sinner must
fulfil, in order to have his sins remitted. He must
confess them and ask forgiveness; Doc. &^ Cov.y
64. 7. He must forgive others of their trespasses.
Christ taught his disciples, *' For if ye forgive men
their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also for-
give you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Heavenly Father forgive your tres-
passes;" Matt. 6. 14, 15.
The Lord said to his prophet Joseph, "Ye ought
to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his
brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before
the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater
sin;" Doc. 6^ Cov . 64. 9. The third condition is,
men must continually bear in mind the atonement of
Christ. The Nephite Saints continually looked for-
ward to the atonement of Christ, " Thus retaining a
remission of iheirsins;" Alma 4. 13, 14. We are
REMISSION OF SINS. 47
often taught in the sacred writings to make our sup-
plications to the Father, in the name of his Son
Jesus Christ, who has become a propitiation for sin.
The works necessary to attain to a remission of sins,
and the results of that remission, are well expressed
by the Nephite prophet, Moroni:
^*And the first fruits of repentance is baptism;
and baptism cometh by faith, unto the fulfilling the
commandments; and the fulfilling the command-
ments bringeth remission of sins; and the remission
of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart,
and because of meekness and lowliness of heart,
cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Com-
forter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love
endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall
come, when all the Saints shall dwell with God; "
Moroni 8. 25, 26.
Exo. 23. 21 provoke him not, for he will not pardon your trans-
gressions.
32. 82 Moses said, yet now if tliou wilt forgive their sin.
&i. 7 forgiving transgression and sin, and that will by no
means clear the guilty.
Jo8li. 24. 19 is a holy a jealous God, he will not forgive your
sins.
1 Kings 8. 30 hear thou in heaven, and when thou hearest for-
give.
2 Chron. 7. 14 then will I hear from heaven and will forgive
their sm.
Neh. 9. 17 thou art a God ready to pardon, slow to anger.
Psalm o2. 1 blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered Rom. 4. 7.
86. 5 for thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive.
103. 3 who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy
diseases.
130. 4 but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be
feared.
Jer. 31. 34 for I will forgive their iniquitv and remember their
sin no more.
Dan. 9. 9 to the Lord belong mercies and forgiveness. 19.
Mic. 7. 18 who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity.
Matt. 6. 12 forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Luke
11. 4.
9. 2 son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee.
18. 21 how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive
him?
36 If ye forgive not every one his brottier their trespasses.
48 REMISSION OF SINS.
Mark 2. 7 who can forgive sins but God only?
11. 25 forgive, that your Father in heaven may forgive you.
Luke 6. 37 condemn not; forgive, and ye sliall be forgiven.
17. 3, 4 if thy brother trespass against thee seven times.
23. 34 Jesus said, Father, forgive them for they Icnow not what
they do.
John 20. 23 whosesoever sins ye remit they are remitted.
Acts 26. 18 turn them from the power of Satan to God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins,
Ej)h. 4. 32 forgiving one another as God hath forgiven you.
Heb. 9. 22 without shedding of blood there is no remission.
1 John 2. 12 because your sins are forgiven, for his name's sake
38oofe o£ JHormon.
Mos. 26. 30 as often as my people repent will I forgive them. 31.
Moroni 10. 33 shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the
covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins.
Sec. 62. 3 angels rejoice over you and your sins are forgiven.
64. 7 I the Lord forgive sins unto those who confess their sins
before me.
8 the former-day disciples were afflicted because they forgave
not one another. 9.
10 I forgive whom I will, but of you it is required to forgive all
men.
82. 1 inasmuch as you have forgiven one another, so I the
I^ord forgive you.
110. 5 your sins are forgiven you : you are clean before me.
LAYING ON OF HANDS. 49
LAYING ON OF HANDS,
FOR ORDINATION,
Ordinations to offices in the hol}^ Priesthood are
sometimes mentioned in both the Old and New Tes-
taments, when it is not stated in the context that it
was by the imposition of hands. The apostle Paul
exhorted Timothy, ''Neglect not the gift that is in
thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the
laying on of the hands of the presbytery; " i 7/;//. 4.
14. The inference is reasonable, that Paul here re-
fers to an ordination to some office in the Priesthood.
Paul again said to Timothy, *' Stir up the gift of
God, which is in thee by the putting on of my
hands; " 2 Jim, i. 6.
The Lord revealed to Joseph the prophet, that the
Priesthood descended from Adam to Noah under the
HANDS OF THE FATHERS; DoC &^ Cov, lOJ . 40 — 52.
We are further informed that '^ Abraham received
the Priesthood from Melchisedek, who received it
through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah ; "
84. 14. Esaias, who Rved in the days of Abraham,
" received it under the hands of God; " from him it
descended under the hands of the fathers to Moses;
6—13. •^
In this dispensation all the offices and authority of
the Priesthood are conferred by the laying on of
hands. The first ordination to the Priesthood, in
this dispensation, was under the hands of John the
Baptist; Doc. &^ Gov., sec, n. The angel, John the
Baptist, commanded Josei^h Smitii and O. Cowdery
to baptize each other. The i^roijhet says: "Accord-
ingly we went and were baptized, I baptized him first,
and afterwards he baptized me, after which I laid
L
i,0 LAYING ON OF HANDS.
my hands upon his head and ordained him to the
Aaronic Priesthood, afterwards he laid his hands
on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood— for
so were we commanded; " I/is, of J. Smithy Mayic,
1829.
The same order as was observed in the ordination
to tlie Aaronic Priesthood, was also observed by
Joseph Smith and O. Cowderyin th'eir ordination to
the Melchisedek Priesthood; Voc, 6r^ Cov, 20. 3, 4.
sec, 2.1, 10 — 12.
tOR THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The laying^ on of hands for the reception of the
Holy Ghost, characterized the primitive Gospel dis-
pensation, as recorded in the New Testament. Peter
and John laid their hands on the people of Samaria,
who had been baptized, and they received the Holy
Ghost; ActsZ. 17.
Ananias laid hands on Saul, by special command-
ment, before he was baptized, that he might receive
his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost; 9. 17.
Paul found some people at Ephesus, that claimed
to be disciples of John the Baptist, who had not even
heard of the Holy Ghost. When he had baptized
them, ''and when he had laid his hands upon them, the
Holy Ghost came on them;* and they spake with
tongues and prophesied;" 19. 2 — 6.
The laying on of hands for the reception of the
Holy Ghost characterized both the Mosaic and Gos-
pel dispensations among the Nephites. *' Now it
came to pass that when Alma had said these words,
that he clapped his hands upon all them who were
with him. And behold, as he clapped his hands upon
them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit;" Alma
3r. 36. We are informed that the Nephites, at this
time, were very strict in observing the oidinances of
God according to the law of Moses; 30. 3.
When our Savior organized the Council of Twelve
liAYING ON OF HANDS. 5 1
Apostles among the Nephites, be touched them with
his hand and gave them power to give the Holy
Ghost. '^And it came to pass that when Jesus had
made an end of these sayings, he touched with his
hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one by one,
even until he had touched them all, and spake unto
them as he touched them; and the multitude heard
not the words which he spake, therefore they did not
bear record; but the disciples bear record that he
gave them power to give the Holy Ghost; " 3 Nephi
18. 36, yi.
The Apostles of this dispensation are especially
instructed to lay hands on those who have been bap-
tized into the church, '' For the baptism of fire and
the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;" Doc,
&^ Cov. 20. 41.
When the few who had received the Gospel first
met to organize the church, the prophet Joseph laid
his hands on O. Cowdery and ordained him an elder
in the church, after which O. Cowdery ordained the
prophet Joseph to the same office. They then ad-
ministered the sacrament to the Saints. Afterwards
they laid their hands ''on each individual member of
the church present, that they might receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the
Church of Christ; " Hzs. of J. Smith, Aprils, 1830.
This was the first time in this dispensation that
hands were publicly laid on for the bestowal of the
Holy Ghost, and for confirmation.
FOR HEALING THE SICK.
Jesus Christ has left us his example for laying
hands on the sick, that they might be healed. He
touched the hand of Peter's wife's mother, and the
fever left her; Matt. 8. 1:5. ''He laid his hands upon
a few sick folk, and healed them; " Mark 6, 5.
About the close of his earthly mission, Jesus said
52 LAYING ON OF HANDS.
to his disciples, ^* Go ye into all the world, and preach
the Gospel to every creature ; " and promised them
that if they would lay hands on the sick, they should
recover; i6. 15, 18.
"By the hands of the apostles were many signs
and wonders wrought among the people;" Acts
5. 12.
The Lord, through his prophet, Joseph, has com-
manded his people to administer to the sick by the
laying on of hands. **And whosoever among you are
sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe,
shall be nursed with all tenderness, with herbs and
mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.
And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be
called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon
them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto
me, and if thty live they shall live unto me;" Doc,
&- Cov., 42. 43, 44.
The ordinance of laying on of hands for the be-
stowal of authority, power and blessing has charac-
terized all the dispensations of the holy Priesthood,
But it does not necessarily follow that the Creator
may not bestow these favors in other ways.
Before the flood, the Lord said to Enoch, *^Anoint
thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt
see; "and the spiritual creations were opened to his
vision; P, of G. P., p, 15.
Naaman^ the Syrian, was cleansed of his leprosy
by washing seven times in Jordan ; 2 Kings 5. 10 — 14.
The blind man, after Jesus had anointed his eyes
with clay, recieived his sight by washing them in the
pool of Siloam; yohn 9. 7. Contrary to the usual
custom, Ananias laid hands on Saul, before he was
baptized, that he might be filled with the Holy Ghost ;
Acts 9. ij.
milt.
Num. 27. 18 take thee Joshua, ihe son of Nun. and lay thine
hand upon him.
2 Kings 5. U I thought he would strike his hand over the
place.
THE RESURRECTION. 53
Mark 7. 33 put his finger into his ears, and touched his tongue.
8. 23 he took the blind man and put his hands on him. 25.
Acts 4. 30 stretching forth thy hand to heal, that signs and
wonders be done.
14. 3 granted signs and wonders to be done by their hand«.
Sec. 20. 58 teachers and deacons have no authority to lay on
hands.
25. 8 by his hands you shall receive the Holy Ghost.
S3. 15 by the laying on of hands I will bestow the Holy Ghost.
36. 2 will lay my hands upon you, by the hand of my servant.
39. 23 by your hands they shall receive the Holy Ghost, and
know me.
42. 4o, 44 the elders shall lay hands on the sick.
49. 14 receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Sec.
52. 10. Sec. 53. 3. Sec. 55. 1.
66. 9 lay your hands upon the sick and thej^ shall recover.
68. 25 children should be taught baptism, and the Gift of the
Holy Ghost by laying on hands.
27 and their children shall be baptized for the remission of
their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the
hands.
See Mil. Star, Vol. j, pa^e 59.
History of y. Smith, March 20, 1842^
THE RESURRECTION.
What little knowledge we have of this doctrine
we have received from Jesus Christ, the author of it,
and from those whom he has sent to teach mankind.
From these we learn that a resurrection has occurred,
and that there will be others at different periods of
time, as well as under diff'erent circumstances.
The resurrection is predicated on the death or dis-
solution of the earth, and all organizations pertain-
54 RESURRECTION.
ing to it. As the fall of Adam brought death or
dissolution, so the death and resurrection of Christ
will bring to pass a restoration to life, of all crea-
tures that have been affected by the fall.
AT CHRIST'S RESURRECTION.
That Christ well understood the great object of
his earthly mission, is evident from many of his say-
ings previous to his death and resurrection. Early
in his ministry he said to Nicodemus, "As Moses
lilted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must
the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever be-
w^^, c^^^^"^ should not perish, but have eternal
hfe;" John 3. 14, 15.
^ On another occasion Jesus said to Martha the
sister of Lazarus, "I am the resurrection, and the
liie: he thatbeheveth on me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live; '^ John 11. 25, At another time, in
talking with the Pharisees, lie said, " Therefore doth
my father love me, because I lay down my life,
that I might take it again. No man taketh it from
me, but 1 lay it down of myself. I have power to
lay It down, and to take it up again;" John 10. 17, 18.
We are informed that one resurrection has already
taken place, and that it occurred at the resurrection
of our Savior. «'And the graves were opened; and
many bodies of the Saints which slept arose, and came
out of the graves after his resurrection, and went
into the holy city, and appeared unto many;" Matt,
^7. 52, 53.
The following indicates that the prophet Isaiah
had a prophetic glimpse of this resurrection; ^^ Thy
dead 7nen shall live, tooether with mv dead body shall
they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust:
for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth
shall cast out the dead; " Isa, 26. 19.
It would appear that the Psalmist, David, looked
forward for redemption from the dead, at the
resurrection of Christ. ^'Mv flesh also shall rest in
RESURRECTION, 55
hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
neither wilt thou sutler thine Holy One to see corrup-
tion;'' Psalm \(y. 9, 10.
The Book of Mormon is much more definite
and comprehensive on this subject than the Bible.
''And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resur-
rection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have
been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the
resurrection of Christ: for so shall he be called.
And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and
all those that have believed in their words, or all
those that have kept the commandments of God,
shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore,
they are the first resurrection * * *
And these are those who have part in the first
resurrection; and these are they that have died be-
fore Christ came in their ignorance, not having
salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord
bringeth about the restoration of these; and they
have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal
life, being redeemed by the Lord. And little children
also have eternal life; " Mos. 15. 21 — 25.
This declaration of the prophet-king, Mosiah,
was made about loo B. C. Alma, who lived and
prophesied a few years later, says, "And behold,
again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resur-
rection; a resurrection of all those who have been, or
who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of
Christ from the dead; " Alma 40. 16.
From these passages quoted from the Book of Mor-
mon, and their contexts, it is evident that the Nephite
Saints looked forward to the resurrection of Christ
from the dead, for their deliverance from the grave,
with the same assurance that the Latter-day Saints
anticipate their resurrection at his second coming.
By way of explanation, the prophet Alma adds,
^' The resurrection rneaneth the re-uniting of the
soul with the body of those from the days of Adam,
down to the resurrection of Christ;" 40. 18, 19.
The Lamanite prophet, Samuel, speaking of the
resurrection of Christ, says, *'And manygrav.es shall
be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead;
56 RESURRECTION.
and many Saints shall appear unto many;" HeL
14, 25. During Christ's ministry amon^ the Nephites,
his disciples testified that this prophecy was ful-
filled; 2 Nephi 22» 10.
Job 19. 25 for I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
Matt. 17. 9 until the Son of Man be risen from the dead. Mark 9. 9.
27. 64 and the people say he is risen from the dead.
28. 6 he is not here, for he is risen as he said. Mark 16. 6, 9, 14.
Luke2i, 34 the Lord is risen, indeed, and hath appeared to
Simon.
John 2. 19—21 destroy this temple and in three days I will raise
it up.
5. 25 the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear
the voice of the Son of God.
26 the Father gave to the Son to have life in himself.
8. 28 when ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shaU ye
know that I am lie.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
Acts 1. 22 must one be ordained to be a witness of his resurrec-
tion.
2. 31 David spake of the resurrection of Christ. 32.
26. 23 that he should be the first that should rise from the dead.
Mom. 8. 34 is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God.
14. 9 died and rose that he might be Lord of the dead and
living.
Col. 1. 18 who is the beginning, the first born from the dead.
Eev. 1. 18 I am he that liveth and was dead.
Boo!i fi! JHlormon.
2 Nephi 2. 8, 9 he layeth down his life and taketh it again, that
he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead. 3fos. 13. 35.
Mos. 16. 9 he is a life that is endless, that there can be no more
death. 10.
3 Nephi 6. 20 testifying of the death of Christ and of his resur-
rection, in all the land.
^Qttxint aitlr Cob^naitlJEf.
Sec. 18. 12 he hath risen from the dead, that he might bring all
men to him.
^tarl of ©rjeat ^xitt.
Page21. the Saints arose at the resurrection of Christ. The
spirits that were in prison came forth.
BEvSURRECTION. ^7
AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
Those who have lived and died since the resur-
rection of Christ, in the hope of a resurrection from the
dead, are looking forward to the time of his coming,
in the latter days, for their redemption from the
grave. ^' Even so them also which sleep in Jesus
will God bring with him. For this we say unto you
by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and
remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent
them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the
dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we v/hich are
alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; " i
T/iess. 4. 14—17.
Christ said to his Nephite disciples who were to
remain until his coming, '• VVhen I shall come in my
glory, ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye
from rnortality to immortality; " 3 Nephi 28. 8.
The Lord said to Joseph Smith, the Seer, ^'Be-
hold, I will come; and they shall see me in the
clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great
glory, with all the holy angels; and he that
watches not for me shall be cut off; ■* *
and the Saints that have slept shall come forth
to meet me in the cloud; " Doc, &^ Cov., 45. 44, 45.
We have seen by previous reference to the Book
of Mo^'mon, that the heathen nations, and those who
knew no law, should be resurrected when Christ
arose from the dead. The Lord revealed to Joseph,
the Seer, that this should also take place when he
comes in his glory. ''And then shall the heathen
nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law
shall have part in the first resurrection; " verse 54.
The Lord gave Joseph, the Seer, a further des-
cription of this glorious event. ''And immediately
after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a
5^ RESURRECTION.
scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face
of the Lord shall be unveiled; and the Saints that
are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened,
and be caught up to meet him. And they who have
slept in their graves shall come forth; for their
graves shall be opened, and they also shall be caught
up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven:
They are Christ's, the first fruits: they who shall
descend with him first, and they who are on the earth
and in their graves, who are first caught up to meet
him;" 88.95—98.
Then comes the redemption of those who have
^'received their part in that prison that is prepared
^ for them; verse 99. ^'Then cometh the spirits of
men who are to be judged, and are found under con-
demnation; and these are the rest of the dead, and
they live not again until the thousand years are
ended, neither again, until the end of the earth;"
verses 100 and loi. These appear to be the only ones
of the family of man whose bodies remain in their
graves until the last resurrection.
Ban. 12. 2 many of them tha sleep in the dust of the earth
shall awake.
Luke ]4. 14 for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection
of the just.
Mev. 11. 18 the time of the dead, that thev should be judged.
20. 5, 6 blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resur
rection.
^t^titmt anir €^obtnant5.
Sec. 29. 13 the dead who have died in Christ shall come forth
63. 18 they shall not have part in the first resui recti; in 49, 51
76. 50—70 concerning those who shall come forth in the resur-
rection of the just.
71—80 concerning those of the terrestrial world who shall rise
m the first resurrection.
88. 100 then cometh the spirits of men who are still under
condemnation
KE5URRECTI0N. 59
RESURRECTION AT THE END OF THE WORLD.
John, the Revelator, has left us a short descrip-
tion of this resurrection, and of the judgment con-
nected with it. '* And I saw the dead, small and
great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the
hook of life: and the dead were judged out of those
things which were written in the books, according to
their works. And the sea gave up the dead which
were in it; and death and hell delivered up the
dead which were in them; and they were judged
every man according to their works;" Rev, 20.
r At that time, the earth, having filled the measure
joi its creation, in this order of things, will undergo
/a change that will fit it for the residence of exalted,
Vcelestial beings;, **And I saw a new heaven and a
new eartli': for the first heaven and the first earth
were passed away; " 21. i.
The Book of Mormon, also gives some account
of this final resurrection; **And they shall come
forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before
his bar, being redeemed and loosed from the eternal
band of death;" Mormon 9. 13.
The Jaredite prophet, Ether, who lived on the
American continent 600 years before the Savior was
born, predicted this great change in the earth; "And
there shall be a nev/ heaven and a nev/ earth; and
they shall be like unto the old, save the old have
passed away, and all things shall become new; "
Ether 13. 9.
Joseph, the Seer of the present dispensation, has
given us a more comprehensive view of this subject
than has come down from other dispensations; *'And
the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth
shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be
a new heaven and a new earth, for all old things shall
pass away, and all things shall become new, even the
OO RESURRECTION.
heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof,
both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the
fishes of the sea; and not one hair, neither mote,
shall be lost;" Doc, &^ Cov., 29. 23—25.
Both the wicked and the righteous will be resur-
rected; verses 26, 27. That the final change in the
earth will be equivalent to a resurrection is evident
from the following: '"Wherefore it shall be sanctified;
yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quick-
ened again, and shall abide the power by which it is
quickened;" 88. 26.
Matt. 25. 82 all nations to be gathered before the Son of Man.
Rev. 20. lo those not found written in the book of life, were
cast into (he lake of fire.
8 the wicked had their part in the lake of fire.
22. 11 he that is unjust, let him be unjust still. 12,
!;:> without are dogs, sorcerers and whoremongers.
Book til ^ormon.
3 Nephi 26. 4 when all people and nations shall stand before
God.
Morm/ju 9. 2 when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll
when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God.
13 when all, both small and great, shall be loosed from the
bands of death.
Ether 4. 19 he that is faithful at the last day shall be lifted up.
6. 6 when we shall stand before God at the last day.
Sec. 76. 39 for all the rest shall be brought forth by the resur-
rection of the dead.
81—89 concerning those of the telestial world who will come
forth in the last resurrection.
RESURRECTION OF THE BODY THAT IS LAID DOWN.
When Job said, ^'Though after my skin worms
destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; "
RESURRECTION. 6l
19. 26; it is evident that he believed that though his
body should be disorganized, yet, in his own flesh,
and not in that of another, he should see God. As if
to confirm his assertion, he further adds, ^' Whom I
shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and
not another;" verse 27.
A literal resurrection was manifested to Ezekiel in
his vision of the resurrection of the house of Israel;
37. I— 14.
When Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of
]esus, and said, "This is John the Baptist; he is
risen from the dead; " Matt. 14. i, 2; he probably, in
common with the Jews, believed in a literal resurrec-
tion.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Behold my hands and
my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for
a spirit hath not fiesh and bones, as ye see me have ; "
Luke 24. 39; John 20. 27; Acts 10. 41. "He that
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
your mortal bodies;" Rom. 8. 11. That is, their
bodies that died, and not some other bodies.
The apostle Paul gives us some light on this sub-
ject: " But some man will say. How are the dead
raised? and with what body do they come? Thoii
fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except
it die; * * thou sowest not that body that
shall be. * * But God giveth it a body as it
hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
All tiesh is not the same fiesh: but there is one kind
of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of
fishes, and another of birds; " i Cor, 15. 35 — 39.
The apostle evidently considers the old body the
germ of a new body, which will be like the old, but
a new growth, even as nevi^ grain is produced from
that which is sown.
It is also evident that the apostle considered it
impossible for one kind of flesh to mingle with an-
other in the resurrection, as they widely differ, from
different combinations of the elements, in their organ-
ization. As well might we expect the different grades
of spiritual organizations, to intermingle, as the dif-
^2 RESURRECTION.
ferent kinds of flesh of which their material bodies
are composed.
The following is from the Times and Seasons^ voL
5, pacre 617 : '• Mothers, you shall have your children,
for they shall have eternal life: for their debt is paid,
there is no damnation awaits them, for they are in the
spirit. As the child dies, so shall it rise from the
dead and be forever living in the learning of God; it
shall be the child, the same as it was before it died
out of your arms. Children dwell and exercise power
in the same form as they laid them down.''
In the History of Joseph Sjnith, under date of
April 7, 1843, we find the following very pointed as-
sertion on this subject: ''There is no fundamental
principle belonging to a human system that ever goes
into another in this world or in the world to come: I
care not what the theories of men are. We have the
testimony that God will raise us up, and he has the
power to do it. If any supposes that any part of our
bodies, that is the fundamental parts thereof, ever
goes into another body, he is mistaken."
See a Sermon by y. Smith, Jun,, Times and Seasons, Vol.
5% P^g« ^^2.
Atso a Pamphlet published the same year in which the above
Discourse was delivered.
Booi^ of JHormon. *^'
2 JVepM 9. 4 must waste away, but in our bodies we shall see
God.
6 as death has passed on all men, there must be a power oi
resurrection.
8. 9 if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must become
subject to the devil.
12 the bodies and spirits of men will be restored, the one to
the other.
Alma 11. 43—45 the spirit and the body shall be reunited in
perfect form.
40. 23 not a hair of the head shall be lost.
Mormon 6. 21 day soon cometh that your mortal must put or
immortality.
RESURRECTION. 63
PiiStZlldinZOUS \^KSSKQS:8.
Matt. 22. 28 therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she
be. Luke 20. 33.
31, 32 God is not the God of the dead but of the living.
Mark 12. 25 rise from the dead, they neither marry noraTe^riven
in marriage.
Luke 20. 36 are the children of God, being the children of the
resurrection.
John 5. 21 the Father raiseth tip the dead; the Son quickeneth
whom he will.
28 all that are in their graces shall hear his voice.
11. 24 I know he shall yi*e again in the resurrection at the last
day. 25, 26.
Acts 4. 2 and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the
dead. 10, 33.
24. 15 a resurrection of both the just and unjust.
26. 8 thought a thing incredible with you, that God should
raise the dead.
Horn. 4. 17 even God who quickeneth the dead.
6. 5 we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
1 Cor. 3. 22 life or death, things present or to come, all are
yours.
15. 40—44 bodies are raised in different degrees of glory, ac-
cording to their order.
45 first man, Adam, was made a living soul/the last a quicken-
ing spirit.
Col. 3. 1 ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which
are above.
2 Tim. 1. 10 who hath brought life and immortality to light
through the Gospel.
Ileb. 6. 2 of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judg-
ment.
11. 35 not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a bet-
ter resurrection.
1 Peter 1. 3 hath begotten us again unto a lively hope of the
resurrection.
Em 1. 5 first begotten of the dead, and king of the princes of
the earth.
14. 13 blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Their works
follow them.
Book of JHormon.
Alma 11. 41 the wicked remain as though there had been no re-
demption made, except the loosing of the bands of death.
12. 7 been spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead,
that all shall rise. 16, 18, 24.
Chap. 40. no resurrection until after the coming of Christ. A
time appointed that all shall rise. Must needs be a space between
death and the resurrection. State of the soul during that time.
3 Nephi 28. 36—40 concerning the change wrought in the disci-
ples who were to tarry.
64 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
Sec. 42. 45 especially for those that have not hope of a glorious
resurrection.
43. 18 say to the sleeping nations, ye Saints arise, ye sinners
stay and sleep.
32 he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twink-
ling of an eye.
88. 14 through the redemption that is made for you, is brought
to pass the resurrection of the dead.
101. 31 not sleep but shall be changed in the twinkling of an
eye.
130. 18 whatever knowledge we attain to in this life, will rise
with us in the resurrection.
182. 13 all things not ordained of God, shall not remeln after
the resurrection.
133. 55 Moses, Elijah and John with Christ in his resurrection
See a Pamphlet by B, Young.
Sermon by J, Smithy J, of D,, Vol, 6, page i,
•' B. Young, '• Vol. 15, page I ^g,
'* Geo. Q. Cannon, J. of D., Vol, 77, page IJ4.
Article by P. P. Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 2, page 97.
Key 10 Theology, Chapter 75.
/ Ser7non by y. Smith, Mil. Star, Vol, j, page sg.
Article by C. VV. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol, jo, page dj.
History of y. Smith, April 16 ^ 184J,
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
"There are, in the church, two Priesthoods, name*
ly, the Melchisedek and Aaronic, including the Levi-
tical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchise-
dek Priesthood, is because Melchisedek was such a
great High Priest. Before his day it was called the
Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God,
^' * * All other authorities or offices in the
church are appendages to this Priesthood ; " Doc. &^
Cov. 107. I — 5.
In the ordinances of this Priesthood *^The power
of Godliness is manifest; and without the ordinances
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 65
thereof, and the authority of the Priesthood, the
power of Godliness is not manifest unto men in *the
iiesh; " 84. 20, 21.
This Priesthood, or Order of the So7i of God, is
"Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beoinning of days, nor end of hfe; "
Heb. 7. 3. Its authority and powers have ever ex-
isted, and there has never been wanting intelligences
to manifest them through its ordinances.
*'This greater Priesthood administereth the Gos-
pel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the king-
dom even the key of the knowledge of God; " Doc.
&^ Cov. 84. 19. That this passage refers to a per-
sonal knowledge of God is evident irom verse 22,
*'For without this no man can see the face of God,
even the Father, and live/' This is a distinct line
drawn between the two Priesthoods.
That man could not attain to the knowledge which
would admit him to the presence of God, without the
Melchisedek Priesthood, * 'Moses plainly taught to
the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought
diligently to sanctify his people that they might be-
hold the face of God; but they hardened their hearts
and could not endure his presence, therefore the Lord
in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them)
swore that they should not enter into his rest while in
the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory
Therefore he took Moses out of their midst, and the
Holy Priesthood also;'' verses 2t,— 2^,
The Latter-day Saints have this Priesthood, with
its authority, ordinances and blessings. How they
have obtained it, is a very important question. Peter
was the chief of the apostles, in the Gospel dispen-
sation, from which we understand that the Presidency
of the Melchisedek Priesthood, in that dispensation,
was vested m him, and that it was through him that
Its succession could be a^ain restored to the earth
We find that in June, 1829, a revelation was given!
making known the calling of a Council of Twelve
Apostles; Doc &= Cov. 18. 27.
It is evident that between the fifteenth of May
1829, and tlie time when this revelation was dven, m
ft O 7
66 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
June iollowing, Joseph Smith, Jun., O. Cowdery, and
D. •Whiimer were called ' to the Melchisedek
Friesthood. For the Lord, speaking to O. Cowdery
and D. Whitmer, said, '' 1 speak unto you, even as
unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with
the same calling with which he was called; '' verse-g.
While Joseph Smith, Jun., is not mentioned here
as an apostle, we have the information in a revelation
given April, 1830, that he was the iirst apostle and
elder ol this church, " Which commandments were
given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God,
and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the
FIRST elder of this church; and to Oliver Cow-
dery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus
Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and
ordained under his hand; " Doc. &^ Cov, 20. 2, 3.
We are informed in sec. 27. 12, under date of Sep-
tember, 1830, who ordained them; "And also with
Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto
yju, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed
yju to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my
name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and of the
same things which I revealed unto them."
The presidency of Peter, James and John are
plainly asserted in the above passages; the thir-
teenth verse, with the context, informs us that they
bestowed the presidency of this dispensation on
Joseph Smith and others: " Unto whom I have com-
mitted the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation
of the Gospel for the last time; and for the fulness
of times, in ihe which 1 will gather to§;ether in one all
things, both which are in heaven, and which are on
earth." We are informed that these primitive apos-
tles also testified that they held this presidency of the
Melchisedek Priesthood: "The voice of Peter,
James and John in the wilderness between Harmony,
Susquehanna County, and Colesville, Broome County,
on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as
possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dis-
pensation of the fulness of times;" 128. 20.
In the thirty-seventh verse of sec, 18, the Lord
designated O. Cowdery and D. Whitmer as two men
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 67
he had chosen to search out the then future Twelve,
whom the Lord declares, in the twenty-seventh verse
were already called. This selection, of the Council of
Twelve Apostles, was not made until February 14,
1835, over five years afterwards.
The most comprehensive evidence that Joseph
Smith. Jun., received the authority and power of the
Holy Priesthood, is that the works of John the Bap-
tist, of Jesus and his apostles, are being again done
on the earth by his administration. To receive the
powers of this Priesthood, it is necessary that men
should obey the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
The Lord l>as personally appeared to some men,
and covenanted with them as he did with Abraham;
Gen. 12., I — 3. chap. 13. 14 — 17. The Lord also
personally called and authorized his twelve Jewish
apostles. So fully were they authorized to labor for
him, and act in his name, that he said to them, ^*He
that receiveth you receiveth me ; and he that receiveth
me receiveth him that sent me; '' Matt. 10. 40.
More generally, it is from the prophets and apos-
tles of Christ that men receive the Priesthood.
Many received it under the hands of the apostles of
the first Gospel dispensation. Those who have re-
ceived it in this latter-day dispensation, have re-
ceived it from Joseph Smith, Jun., and O. Cowdery,
and, in doing so, have received it through a legiti-
mate channel from God the Father, and his Sod
Jesus Christ. Those who have received this Priest-
hood have covenanted with God the Father, and he
with them. This is evidently the view taken of the
subject in the above passage quoted from Matthew.
The doctrine is more fully illustrated in Doc. -Sr*
Cov,\ '^AU they who receive this Priesthood receiveth
me, saith the Lord; for he that receiveth my ser-
vants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me re-
ceiveth my Father; and he that receiveth my Father,
receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that
my Father hath shall be given unto him; and this is
according to the oath and covenant which belongeth
to the Priesthood; " 84. 35 — 39.
68 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
BftU.
Gen. 14. 18, 20 Melchisedek, king of Salem, blessed Abraham.
Heh. 7. 1, 2.
Psalm 110. 4 thou art a priest forever after the order of Mel-
chisedek. Heh. 5. C, 10. Chap. C. 20.
Acts 14. 23 and when they had ordained them elders in every
church.
20. 17 sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church.
Titus 1. 5 and ordain elders in every city.
Heh. 2 17 a faithful High Priest, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people.
3. 1 the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.
4. 14 a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God.
15 not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling ot
our infirmities.
5. 1 every high priest taken from among men Is ordained. 8. 3.
8. 1, 2 Jesus Christ an high priest, and minister of the sanctu-
ary. 3, 5.
10. 19—21 boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus.
Book o£ JHormon.
Mos. 29. 42 the office of high priest conferred on Alma by his
father.
Alma A.. 4 Alma high priest over the church. 20. Chap. 5. 3,
49, 51.
6. 1 ordained priests and elders according to the holy order of
God. 8.
13. 1, 2. ordained priests after the order of his Son, that the
people might know how to look forward to the redemption of his
So^.
3 Nephi 18. 5 one ordained to bless bread, and break it.
^titixint anir €^ob£Ttanl5.
Sec. 18. 27—39 duty of the Twelve Apostles to preach the
Gospel.
21. 1 J. Smith, Jun., to be called a seer, translator, prophet and
apostle.
10, 11 J, Smith, Jun., and 0. Cowdery ordain each other.
27. 5—11 personages who held important keys of the Priest-
hood, in former dispensations.
28. 2 none to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith,
Sec. 102. organization of the first High Council of the church.
106. 1 W. A. Cowdery appointed and ordained a presiding high
Tjriest
107. 33 the Twelve are a traveling presiding High Council, to
officiate in the name of the Lord under the direction of the Presi-
ddOfi^ of th« diurch a^eeable to the liiBtiiuUon of liea^en to
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 69
build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all
nations ; first unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews.
Page 26. Abraham became a high priest, holding the right be-
longing to the fatliers.
28. Pharaoh was of that lineage which could not have the right
of Priesthood.
John 15. IC ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.
1 Cor. 5. 5 otienders to be delivered to Satan by the Priesthood.
2 Cor. 5. 20 now then we are embassadors for Christ.
Heb. 5. 4 no man taketh this honor, but he that is called of God.
7, 15—28 another priest who is made after the power of endless
lives.
9. 11—28 Christ the great sacrifice, the Mediator of the New
Testament.
10. 19—21 boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of
Jesus.
1 Peter 2. 5 an Holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices. 25.
Eev. 1. 6 and hath made us kings and priests unto God. 5. 10.
Chap. 20. 6
7. 3 sealed the servants of God in their foreheads.
Book of JHormou.
2 Nephi 6. 2 call(?d of God and ordained after his holy order.
Mos. o. 23 I have spoken what the Lord hath commanded me.
23. 16, 17 none received authority to teach except from God.
Alma 7. 22 ye may walk after the holy order of God. Chap 8. 4.
13. 3 being called and prepared, from the foundation of the
w^orld.
5—20 calling, foreordination and eternal duration of the Priest-
hood.
17. 3 they taught with pcAver and authority from God.
18 Ammon imparted the word of God to his brethren.
49. 30 word of God declared by those ordained after the holy
order of God.
Hel. 8. 18 many before Abraham who were called by the order
of God. Ether 12. 10.
©ottrint anir Cobtnants.
Lecture on Faith, Sec. 2. genealogy of the Priesthood ft-om Adam
to Abraham.
.Vfc. 1. 17,18 J. Smith, Jun., authorized to declare the Gospel,
that the prophets might be fulfilled.
yo THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
30 that they might have power to organize the true church,
2. 1, 2 the Priesthood to be revealed by Elijah.
19. 9 I speak unto yon that are chosen in this thing.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel
35. 18 the keys of those things that have been sealed, given to
J. Smith, Jun.
42. 11 ordination to be done by one having authority.
65 unto you is given to know the mysteries of tlie kingdom. 69.
64. 5 the keys of the kingdom not to be taken from J. Smith,
Jun.
68. 2 this is an en^^ample to all who were ordained to this
Priesthood.
72. 1 the kingdom and power given to the high priests of the
church.
77. 11 those to be sealed out of the tribes of Israel are high
priests. Rev. 7. 4—8.
78. 1 hearken to me you who are ordained to the High Priest-
hood.
84. 6—16 lineage of the Priesthood from the sons of Moses back
to Adam.
25, 26 the Lord took Moses and the Holy Priesthood from the
midst of Israel.
29 ofiices of elder and bishop necessary appendages to the Mel-
chisedek Priesthood.
33, 3-1 those faithful to the obtaining of these two Priesthoods,
become the sons of Moses and Aaron.
86. 8 saith the Lord to you with whom the Priesthood hath
continued. 10, 11.
113. 8 the strength of Zion is the power of the Priesthood.
121. 21 neither they nor their posterity shall have a right to
the Priesthood.
36 — 45 the necessity of exercising the powers of the Priesthood
in meekness.
124. 33, 34 temples necessary for the purposes of the holy
Priesthood.
91—^5 H. Smith clothed with the same Priesthood and gifts as
weie once bestowed on O. Cowdery.
123 the ofiices and keys of the Priesthood, on J. Smith, Jun.
124 H. Smith holds the sealing blessings of the church.
135—145 instructions concerning various quoiums.
127. 8 the Lord about to restore many things pertaining to the
Priesthood.
128. 8 nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the
Priesthood.
132. 44 then shall you have power by my Holy Priesthood to
take her.
58 many things pertaining to the law of the Priesthood.
^earl of (S^rjeat f ruje.
Page 13. the same Priesthood, in the beginning and end of the
world.
17. thou art after the order of him who \ai^s without beginning
of days.
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 7I
23. and the Lord ordained Noah after his order.
29. the seed of Abraham to bear this mission and Priesthood to
all nations.
THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD.
John the Baptist was the acknowledged forerun-
ner of Christ, and, as such, he preached the prepara-
tory Gospel of repentance, and baptism for the re-
mission of sins. His father, Zacharias, was a priest
of the course of Abia, and his mother was of the
daughters of Aaron; Luke 1.5.
Thus the Aaronic Priesthood was the heritage of
John the Baptist. His ministry evidences that he was
clothed with its authority. That the chain of evi-
dence might be complete, regarding this fact, the
Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, Jun., that he was or-
dained to the Aaronic Priesthood by an angel; Doc,
&^ Cov. 84. 28. Being the first man ordained to it in
the former Gospel dispensation, he holds the presi-
dency of that Priesthood in all subsequent dispensa-
tions.
As a sequence, the man who should open up the
last dispensation must receive it from him. We have
the testimony of Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cow-
dery, that John the Baptist did ordain them to this
Priesthood, using the following words, "Upon you
my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer
the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repent-
ance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission
of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the
earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering
unto the Lord in righteousness; " Doc, &^ Gov,, sec,
"The messenger who visited us on this occasion,
and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his
name was John, the same that is called John the Bap-
73 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
tist in the New Testament, and that he acted under
the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the
keys of the Priesthood of Melchisedek, which Priest-
hood he said s4iould in due time be conferred on us,
and that I should be called the first Elder, and Oliver
the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829,
that we were ordained under the hand of the messen-
ger and baptized; " His, of J, Smithy Jun,^ May 15,
1829.
Thus was the succession of the Lesser Priesthood
again restored to the earth.
Gen, 29. 84 Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah.
50. 7 all the elders of his house, and ol the land ol Kgypt,
Exo. 3. IG go and gather the elders of Israel together.
6. 16 names of the sons of Levi.
17. 5 take with thee of the elders of Israel.
18. 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian.
19. 7 Moses called for the elders. 22.
28. 1 Aaron and his sons set apart to minister in the priest's
office. Chap, 29. 41. Chcq-). 30. 30. Chaj). 40. 13, 15.
Lev. 7. 35, 30 Aaron and his sons anointed priests by a statute
throughout all their generations. 4. 15.
Cliap. 8. Aaron and his sous anointed and clothed in their
priestly garments.
Chap. 16. an enumeration of many of the duties of Aaron.
Num. 3. 1—10 Aaron and his sons appointed to the priest's
office,
3. 12 the Levites taken in place of the first-born of Israel.
Chap. 4. an enumeration of some of the duties of the priests
and Levites.
11. 25 the Lord gave his Spirit unto the seventy elders.
16. 10 seek ye the Priesthood also?
Chap. 18. the Lord's chiirge to Aaron and his sons.
35. 2—8 the cities of refuge the inheritance of the Levites.
Deut. 10. 8, 9 Levi had no inheritance with his brethren.
21. 5 the Priesthood of Levi had authority to try all manner of
controversy.
81. 28 '£0 gather all tlie elders of your tribes.
2 Chron. 29. enumerates several duties of the Priesthood.
31. 4—11 tithing to be received by the Aaron ic Priesthood.
Psalm 99. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests.
107. 32 praise him in the assembly of the elders.
lo2. 9 let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
Isn. 61. 6 ye shall be named the priests of the Lord.
66. 21 I will take of them for priests and Levites, saith the Lord.
Eztk, 8. 1 I sat in mine house, and the elders of Israel before
me.
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 73
45. 4 Levitical Priesthood the ministers of the sanctuary.
Joel 1. 14 gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land.
Mai. 2. 4—6 God's covenant with J.evi for his righteousness.
3. o he shall purify and purge the sons of Levi.
Phil 1. 1 to the Saints, bir-hops and deacons.
1 Tim, 3. 1—13 qualifications and duties of bishops and dea-
cons.
jioxtriTtjC aitir €^oijcnaTit5.
5ec. 20. 38—71 the duties of elders, priests, teachers, deacons and
members of the church of Christ.
41. 9 E. Partridge ordained first bishop to the church.
42. 12—14 instructions to elders, priests and teachers.
68. 14, 15 bishops to be high priests, unless literal descendents
of Aaron.
16, 17 the first born held the right of presidency in the Aaronic
Priesthood.
22—24 a bishop can be tried only by the First Presidency of the
church.
72. 18—20 N. K. Whitney ordained. Duties of bishops.
84. 18 the Lord confirmed a Priesthood on Aaron and his sons
for ever.
107 the lesser Priesthood to go before and prepare the way.
Sec. 107. the higher and lesser Priesthoods, their organizations,
the duties pertaining to their various ofiices, and the lineage of
the Priesthood.
EVANGELISTS OR PATRIARCHS.
In the History of Joseph Smithy under date of
June 27, 1839, will be found the following: ''An Evan-
gelist is a Patiiarch, even the oldest man of the blood
©f Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Whenever
the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there
should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity
of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his pa-
triarchal blessing unto his sons," etc.
As the singular number is here used, exclusively,
doubtless the Prophet Joseph, in the above passage,
speaks of the Patiiarch of the whole church.
In the History of Joseph Sinith^ under date of*
September 14, 1840, we are informed that Joseph
Smith, Sen., Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ
74 THE fiOLY PRIESTHOOD.
of Latter-day Saints, died at Nauvoo. In a biograph-
ical sketch of him, of the same date, we are informed
that he was ordained to this office, on the eighteenth
of December, 1833.
The distinguishing feature between his calling and
that of other patriarchs is, that he was patriarch of
the whole church, while others were ordained patri-
archs in the church. Of the latter was John Young,
Sen., who was ordained a patriarch in the church by
the Prophet Joseph Smith, in 1834; His. of J..
Smiths under date of Aug, 8, 1844.
**' It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches
of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, (or pa-
triarchs), as they shall be designated unto them by
revelation; " Doc. &^ Cov. 107. 39.
'*' The order of this (patriarchal) Priesthood was
confirmed, to be handed down from father to son, and
rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the
chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This
order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came
down by lineage; " verses 40 — 57.
From the last quotation it is evident that if a man
holds the High Priesthood, by virtue of that Priest-
hood he is patriarch over his own posterity, and as
such has a right to bestow upon them patriarchal
blessings.
A little more than four months after the death of
the Patriarch, Joseph Smith, Sen., in a revelation
given to his son Joseph, occurs the following: *^ That
my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood
and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his
father, by blessing and also by rights that from hence-
forth he shall hold the keys of the patriarchal bless-
ings upon the heads of all my people, that whoever
he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses
shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on
earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he
shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven;''
Doc. &^ Cov, 124. 91 — 93.
From this we learn, that Joseph Smith, Sen., in-
herited the Patriarchal Priesthood, by right from the
fathers over the house of Israel in this dispensation.
THE HOLY PRIESTHOGLt. 75
For this right to have descended to him, by lineage,
he must of necessity be an Ephraimite, for Ephraim,
by the right of appointment and ordination by his
father Jacob, is the head of Israel. This fact is
plainly stated in the Scriptures: *' Now the sons of
Reuben the firstborn of Israel, for he was the first-
born; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed,
his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the
son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reck-
oned after the birthright; " i Chron, 5.1.
Just before his death, in blessing Ephraim and
Manasseh, Jacob adopted the sons of Joseph as his
own. Said he, " Let my name be named on them,
and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; "
Ge9t, 48. 16. For this reason, these two sons of
Joseph, each, had a name as the head of tribes in
Israel, ''and he set Ephraim before Manasseh;"
Gen, 48. 20.
The Lord further declared through his prophet
Jeremiah, " 1 am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is
my firstborn;" 31- 9-
By virtue of this adoption of Ephraim, as the
head of the house of Israel, and Joseph Smith, Sen.,
being the oldest son of Ephraim, holding the Priest-
hood in this dispensation, he is Patriarch of the whole
church, by right. This right should be perpetuated
in his family, as the oldest branch of the tribe of
Ephraim.
If, from any cause, there should be failure of a
son to exercise this right, then the office would be
filled from the next eldest branch of the family.
This has been the case in the short history of the
church. When Joseph and Hyrum were martyred,
the latter had no son old enough to fill the office of
patriarch, and John, his eldest living brother, was
ordained to the office vacated by his death.
After the death of father John Smith, the office
reverted back to the family of Hyrum Smith, for his
oldest son John had grown to manhood, and was
ordained Patriarch of the whole church.
76 THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
Gen. 8. 21, 22 God covenanted with Noah, that he would not
again destroy all flesh.
y. 1 God blessed Koah and his sons, and said, he fruitful and
multiply.
21—27 Noah cursed Canaan, and blessed Shem and Japhet.
12. 1—3 the Lord promised Abraham that in his seed all the
families of the earth should be blessed. 2G. 4.
7 the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed.
13. 15—17 I will make thy seed as the dust ot the eailh.
14. 18, 19 Melchisedek took bread and wine and blessed Abra-
ham.
16. 10 the angel said to Hagar, I will multiply thy seed exceed
ingly.
17. 6 I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out ot
thee.
7 God covenants to be a God to Abraham and his seed.
16 Abraham is promised that Sarah should be a mother of na-
tions.
19 the Lord promised to establish his covenant with Isaac.
20 Ishmael to become a great nation.
22. 17 the seed of Abraham to possess the gate of their enemies.
24. 60 Rebecca to be the mother of thousands of millio]is.
25. 23 Rebecca is promised that she should be the mother of two
nations.
27. 28, 29 Isaac's blessing on his son Jacob.
39, 40 Jacob's blessing on Esau.
28. 1—4 Isaac sends Jacob to Padan-airifP and blesses him.
31. 55 Laban kissed and blessed his sons and daughters.
32. 12 Jacob claims the blessings of Abraham and Isaac.
24 — 29 the Lord wrestles with and blesses Jacob at Peniel.
35. 10—12 the Lord names Jacob Israel, and declares that a com-
pany of nations shall come of him.
46. 2—4 Jacob is promised that he should be made a great na-
tion in Egypt, and be brought out again.
48. 15—20 Jacob's blessings on the sons of Joseph.
49 1 Jacob called his sons together to bless them.
22—24 Joseph a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run
over the wall ; ♦ * • from thence is the shepherd, the
stone of Israel.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 5. 5 I have attained a land of promise.
2 Nephi 1. 31, 32 the seed of Zoram to be blessed with the ? eed
of Nephi.
3. o Lehi proinised Joseph that his seed should not be utterly
destroyed. 25.
5 a righteous branch to be raised up from the loins of Joseph.
24 a mighty man to be raised up among the seed of Joseph the
son of Lehi.
4. 9 the blessing of the children of Laman left on the children
of Lemuel
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD. 77
Ether 1. 43 none greater than the nation I will make of thee.
2. 7, 15 but they shall come forth to a land oi promise choice
above all other lands.
^jearl jd£ (5uat f rut.
Page 26. Abraham sought for the blessings of the fathers, and
obtained his right to tlie office of high priest, which came down
to him through'the fathers from Adam.
See sermon by P. P. Pratt ^ J* of D,^ Vol, i, page 2^6,
% Smith, " " 6, " 23:.
B, Yoiuig, '* •* 9, " Sf^, at
Mill Creek.
«« B. Young, •• *• 9, •• 2y().
** B, Young, Des, News, " 11, " 6S,
" B. Young, JJes, Eve. News, June 2, iSjy,
at Logan.
** B. Young, Mil. Star, Vol. 13, page 4gj.
Article, Mil, Star, Vou 4, page i.
•• y. A. Little, Mil, Star, Vol, 18, page 14s ,
** Geo. Taylor, " *' ig, page yg6,
** C, W. Penrose, " *' 2g, page lyj,
' O. Spencer* s Letters to Rev. Wtn. Crowel, No. 9.
A pamphlet. Items on Priesthood, l^y John Taylor.
A Pamphlet, Snccessio?i in the Pries/hood, by John Taylor*
History 0/ J. Smith, June 18 2g.
April 13, 1833,
May 2, 1833.
Jtily 2, 18 3g.
April 28, 1842.
" •• May 7, 1842.
rS CHRIST'S FIRST COMING,
CHRIST'S FIRST COMING.
The oldest Bible prophecy, of the coming of
Christ, is in Jacob's blessing on Judah: " The seep,
tre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from
between his feet, until Shiloh come; " Gen. 49. 10.
When Christ was born^ the sceptre had not wholly
departed from Judah, for Herod the king, who
reigned at the time of his birth, was virtually king of
Judea. Christ was condemned to be crucified by
Pontius Pilate, a Roman governor. The Shiloh had
come and the sceptre had entirely departed, for Judah
was under Gentile rule.
The records of three dispensations assert that
Christ came to his own, and they did not receive him;
yohn I. II. 2 A^ephi <^. 16. Doc &^ Cov, 6. 21. He
came to his own covenant people, the house of Is-
rael, and, though they still retained most of the forms
of the Mosaic ritual, they had apostatized from the
faith of their fathers, had drank deep into pagan phil-
osophy, had become wicked and corrupt, and, when
the Shiloh came, they knew him not, rejected him,
and were the means of his death.
The numerous prophecies of the first coming of
Christ, in both the Jewish and Nephite records, had
a veritable fulfilment in his birth, life, sufferings,
death and resurrection, and furnish overwhelming
testimony of the Divine inspiration of those records.
That Jesus Christ was the same being who called
Abraham from his native country, who led Israel out
of the land of Egypt with mighty miracles and won-
ders, who made known to them his law amid the
thunderings of Sinai, who delivered them from their
enemies, who chastened them for their disobedience,
who inspired their prophets, and whose glory filled
Solomon's temple, is evident from all the inspired
writings, and in none more so than in the Bible.
Christ's first coming. - 79
His lamentation over Jerusalem evidences that, in
his humanity, he had not forgotten his former exalted
position: '' O Jersualem, Jerusalem, thou that killest
the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto
thee, how often would I have gathered thy children
together, * '^ and ye would not;" Matt. 23. '}^'],
It was this creator of the world, this mighty ruler,
this controller of the destinies of the human family,
who, in >iis last moments, cried out in the agony of his
soul, ''My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me? " Mark 15. 34.
He was the great sacrifice for the world's redemp-
tion. It was a sacrifice worthy of Deity. How
grandly, how nobly it was made! It was made in the
meridian of time, and it changed the character of dis-
pensations. Israel ceased to be a nation, and the
Gentile rule was ushered in, to continue for many
long centuries, in which God's chosen people were to
sufier terrible persecutions. We must look at Jesus
Christ in his true character of God and Savior, in or-
der to form a proper conception of the great sacrifice
which has opened, to the human family, the way to
immortality.
Befui, 18. 15—19 a prophet to be raised up In Israel like unto
Moses.
PsaJ.m 22. several prophecies concerning Christ.
69. 20, 21 in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink,
118. 22, 23 the stone which the builders rejected. 26.
Isa. 1. 14 a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.
9. 2 the people thut sat in darkness have seen a great light. 6, 7.
42. 1 he shall brnig forth judgment to the Gentiles. 3, 4.
53. 3 he is despised and rejected. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
— ' Mic. 5. 2 of thee shall he come forth that is to be ruler in Israel.
Zech. 9. 9 just and lowly and sitting on an ass. 10.
11. 12 so they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
Acts 3. 22, 23 he that will not hear that prophet shall be cut oiF.
Book ti JHormon.
1 Nephi 10. 4, 5 six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem
Messiah should come.
12. 4—4 a great destruction to take place before Christ should
appear to the Nephites.
8o CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
19. 10 the God of Abraham yieldeth himself up.
11, 12 at his death Christ shall manifest himself to the house of
Israel.
2 Nephi 9. 5 he suftered himself to become subject to men In
the flesh, that all men mii^lit be subject to him.
10. 3 expedient that Christ should come among the more
wicked part of the world.
2). 20 we talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, prophesy of Christ,
preach of Christ.
26. 21 lie layeth down his life that he may draw all men to him.
Mas. 3. 5 — 10 the Lord came among the children of men, was
crucified and rose from the dead, that a righteous judgment might
come on them. 13, 15.
4. 2 Jesus, the Creator of heaven and earth, who shall come
among men.
13. 33—35 Moses and all the prophets since the world began,
prophesy of Christ.
15. 1—11 God, himself, shall come down among the children of
men.
Alma 39. 18, 19 as necessary that the plan ot salvation should
be known before, as well as after the coming of Christ.
Hel. 14. 12 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator of heaven
and earth.
3 Nephi 1. 9—14 Christ made known to Nephi, that, on the mor-
row he would come into the world.
20. 23 the prophet of whom Moses spake was Jesus Christ.
Ether 3. 16 Christ said to the brother of Jared, as I appear to
ihee in the spirit, so will I appear to my people in the flesh.
Sec. 20. 26, 27 not only those who believe after he comes, but
all those from the beginning, as well as those who shall come
after.
76. 39 who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds
were made.
CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
Christ's first coming attracted comparatively little
attention. He was born a helpless infant, under
v/ery humble circuiTistances. Through the ministra-
tion of an angei, a few shepherds rejoiced over his
CHRIST'S SECOND COMING. 8l
advent, and some wise men, who must have known
of, and believed in prophecies concerning him, visited
and made presents to him. They were warned to
leave the country in a private manner, on account of
the evil designs of Herod. He grew up in obscurity,
performed his labors in the ministry, in affliction and
persecution and apparently, to men, died the death of
a malefactor.
At his second appearance he will come ^'With
clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also
which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth
shall wail because of him; " Rev. i, 7. *' Behold the
Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to
execute judgment upon all;" Jude 14, 15. *^ He
shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the
river unto the ends of the earth;" Psalm 72.8.
^^Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all
nations shall serve him;" verse 11. "The Son of
Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the
brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God
which is set up on the earth; " Doc, &^ Cov. 65. 5.
When will Christ come in his glory and power?
This question many millions of the human family
have asked, and the query still remains unanswered.
Jesus said to his disciples, " Be ye therefore ready
also: for the Son of Man cometh at an- hour when ye
think not; " Luke 12. 40. '* But the day of the Lord
will come as a thief in the night;" 2 Pet, 3. 10.
*' But the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither
the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he
comes"; " Doc, &^ Cov. 49. 7.
The Lord has not told us that there shall be no
period of time designated in which he will come, but
that neither the dav nor the hour shall be known.
Had we a correct chronology we might, perhaps, ap-
proximate very closely to the year, for according to
Sec. yy. 12, it will be in the beginning of the seventh
thousand years. It will be a time of destruction for
the wicked ; " The Lord shall punish the host of the
high ones fkat are on high, and the kings of the
earth upon the earth; " Isa. 24. 21. "The Lord who
shall come down upon the world with a curse to
6
82 Christ's second coming.
judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God,
and upon all the ungodly among you; " Doc, dr^ Cov.
133- 2.
There will be great commotion and changes in
the elements; "The foundations of the earth do
shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth
is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and
shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgres-
sions thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall,
and not rise again; " Isa. 24. t8 — 20.
The fulfilment of the prophecies and the signs of
the times indicate that the coming of the Son of Man
is nigh at hand. The Lord through Joseph, the Seer,
also informs us that this is the case. " Not many
days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to
and fro as a drunken man, and the sun shall hide his
face, and shall refuse to give light, and the moon
shall be bathed in blood, and the stars shall become
exceeding angry, and shall cast themselves down
as a fig that falleth from off a fig tree; '' Doc. &^
Cov, 88. 87.
Israel requested Moses, when around Mount
Horeb, that they might no more hear the voice of the
Lord, nor see his glory, lest they should die. They
had not faith to ^behold his presence, and the law
of carnal commandments was given them. When
they were about to enter into the land of their inherit-
tance, Moses rehearsed these things to them, and re-
peated what the Lord had said to him concerning a
future prophet: " I will raise them up a prophet from
among their brethren, like unto thee,, and will pui my
words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all
that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass,
that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which
he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him; "
Deiit, 18. 18, 19. The Book of Mormon informs us
that this prophet was Jesus Christ: ^' Behold, I ani
he of whom Moses spake^ saying, A prophet shall
the Lord your God raise up unto you of your breth-
ren, like unto me; " 3 A^ephi 20. 23.
Peter, when he reproved the Jews for killing the
83
" Prince of life," repeated this prophecy, rendering
the latter part of it a little plainer: ^'Every soul, which
will not hear that Prophet shall be cut off from among
the people;" Acts 3. 22, 23. It is evidentfrom verses
19 — 21, that the time when those who would not hear
that prophet should be cut off, would be at the time of
the restitution of all things, when he whose right it is
shall reign, and the kingdoms of this world shall be-
come the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.
The prophet Joseph says, '* i was once praying
very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the
Son of Man, when 1 heard a voice repeat the follow-
ing— 'Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art
eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the
Son of Man: therefore Jet this suffice, and trouble
me no more on this matter.' I was left thus, without
being able to decide whether this coming referred to
the beginning of the millennium or to some previous
appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his
face. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will
not be any sooner than that time; " Doc. &^ Cov. 130.
14—17.
^'I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming;
and while asking the Lord, he gave me a sign and
said, ' In the days of Noah I set a bow in the hea-
vens as a sign and token that in any year that the
bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but
there should be seed time and harvest during that
year; but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it
shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence,
and great distress among th, nations, and that the
coming of the Messiah is not leer distant.' ■-=•" ■•^'" *
" 1 also prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that
Christ WILL NOT caME IN FORTY YEARS; and if
God ever spoke by my mouth, he will not come in that
length of time. Brethren, when you go home, write
this down, that it may be remembered. *" "^^ *
Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise
time that he would come; " His, of J. Smithy March
ID, 1844.
\
84 CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.
Job 19. 25 he shall stand in the latter day upon the earth.
Psalm 50. 3—5 our God 'shall come and shall not keep silence.
3fatt. 16. 27 the Son of man shall come in the giory of his
Fatlier. Chap. 25. 31—46
Acts 1. IL this same Jesus which is taken up from you into
heaven.
1 Thcss. 3. 13 at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all
his Saints.
Heb. 9. 28 shall he appear the second time, without sin unto
salvation.
1 Peter 4. 13 that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be
glad.
1 John 2. 28 and not be ashamed before liim at liis coming.
3, 2 when he shall appear we shall be like liim.
Book o£ ^Tormon.
SNephi2e>. 3 Christ expounded all things from the beginning
to the time he shall come in his glory.
28. 7 the three disciples to remain until Christ come in his
glory.
29. 2 ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming.
Sec. 33. 17, 18 verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly.
31. 6 preparing the Avay of the Lord for his second coming.
35. 15 the poor and the meek shall be looking for my coming.
45. 38^14 sliall be looking tor the coming ot the Son of Man.
74, 75 all nations shall be afraid because of the glory of the
Lord.
See Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. i8, pa^e 57.
.. 75, " 53.
*• " W. Woodruff, y, of D,, Vol, 75, page 2^5,
History of y. Smith, April <5, 1843,
THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL. ^^
THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL.
During the administration of Moses, the Lord
promised Israel, conditionally, many blessings and
curses. The former if they were obedient to his com-
mandments, the latter if they were rebellious. These
promises were, in their nature, prophetic. Evidently,
no man, unless inspired by the Holy Ghost, as was
Moses, could have thought of blessings and curses so
varied and comprehensive in their nature, much less
have spoken and recorded them.
The subject of the scattering of Israel is histori-
cal, and needs to be well understood, in order to
comprehend the great work of their gathering in the
latter times. A moderate comprehension of the scat-
tering of Israel requires much careful study of their
history in the Old Testament, and as written by that
eminent Jewish historian, Josephus, a general knowl-
edge of history, and of the many prophecies yet to be
fulfilled concerning themx.
If a complete history of the house of Israel were
written, it would be the history of histories, the key
of the world's history for the past twenty centuries.
The student is particularly recommended to study the
last chapters of Deuteronomy^ from the beginning of
the twenty-seventh to the end of the book.
The scattering of the seed of Joseph, among all
nations, was foreshadowed in the blessing of his
father, Jacob: ** Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a
fruitful bough by a well, wliiose branches run over the
wall; " Cen, 49. 22.
A terrible prophetic picture of the afflictions
which the Lord would heap upon Israel, is drawn by
Moses in the twentv-sixth chapter of Leviticus. If
persistently disoljedient, they were to be scattered
among all nations and suffer great afflictions in the
lands of their enemies.
86 THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL.
The prophet Abijah said to the wife of Jeroboam^
^^ The Lord shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in
the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good
land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter
them beyond the river; '' i Kings 14. 15. This pro-
phecy was fulfilled when the ten tribes were carried
into captivity by the king of Assyria 721, B. C. ; 2
Kings 17. In the Apocrypha, the prophet Esdras
states that these ten tribes went a year and a half
journey into the north country; 2 Esdrcis 13. 39 — 45.
That many remained is evident from verses &fi and 49
of the same chapter.
The great historian ol Israel, Josephus, who wiote
nearly 800 years after the captivity ot the ten tribes,
corroborates this view of the subject. Speaking of
the return of the Jews under Esdras, he says:
** Many of them took their effects with them, and
came to Babylon, as very desirous of going down to
Jerusalem, but then the entire body of the people of
Israel remained in that country, wherefore there are
but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Ro-
mans, while the ten tribes are beyond the Euphrates
till now, and are an immense multitude, and not to be
estimated by numbers;" Ant. B. 11. C. 5. Over
twenty-six centuries these scattered tribes of Israel,
which Josephus declared, 1800 years ago, were an
immense multitude in Asia, have continued to mix
up with the nations of the earth.
The second great scattering of Israel was brought
about by the Babylonish captivity. The Lord said
through the prophet Jeremiah, " I will give all Judah
into the hand of the king of Babylon; " 20. 4. There
is an account of the fulfilment of this prophecy in 2
Kings ^ chapters 24 and 25. Jerusalem was deso-
lated and only the poor left to till the land.
The Jews, like the ten tribes before them, were
scattered among the nations of Asia. In Ezra^ Chap.
2, we have an account of those who returned to build
the waste places of Judah, but multitudes of them
remained in their scattered condition, as is evident
from the book of Esther. Some nine years after the
completion of the term of their captivity, they were
THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL. 87
scattered from India to Ethiopia, through the 127
provinces of the Persian empire; 8. 9.
Jeremiah prophesied the entire desolation of
Judah; ^'Judah shall be carried away captive ail of
it, it shall be wholly carried away captive; " 13. 19.
It was nearly 600 years from the consummation of the
Babylonish captivity to the fulfilment of this pro-
phecy, by the final destruction of the Jews, as a
nation, by the Romans, when a remnant of some
97,000 were sold into slavery in the cities of the
Roman empire, and were scattered wherever the
caprice of their masters led them.
During this period, from the Babylonish captivity
to the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews suffered
much from their enemies, and many thousands were
sold into slavery. A few references to Josephus will
assist to comprehend this subject:
Ant, B. II. C, 5. Miserable condition of the
Jews as represented to the prophet Nehemiah.
B* II. C. 6. Haman said to the king of Persia,
'* There is a certain wicked nation (the Jews), and
it is dispersed over all the habitable earth that is
under thy dominion."
B. 12. C. I. The first Ptolemy took a great many
captives in Judea and carried them into Egypt.
B. 12. C. 2. The second Ptolemy liberated 120,000
Jews who where in bondage in Egypt.
B. 12. C 3. Antiochus set free all the Jews who
had been carried captive.
B. 12. C. 4. The Samaritans were in a flourish-
ing- condition, and much distressed the Jews, cutting
off parts of their land, and carrying off slaves.
B, 12. C 5. The daily sacrifice was taken away,
and 10,000 Jews carried captive.
B. 14. C. 7. The Jews were scattered over the
habitable earth. Cassius, the Roman general, car-
ried 30,000 Jews captive.
B. 14. C. II. Four Jewish cities sold into slavery
for taxes.
B. 15. C. 3. Not a few ten thousands of Jews
that dwelt about Babylonia.
^8 THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL.
B, i6. C, 2. A great multitude of Jews dwelt in
the cities of Ionia.
B, i6. C, 6. The cities of Asia and Lybia ill-
treated the Jews. The northern part of Africa was
then called Lybia.
These references to Josephus, and their contexts,
well considered, will greatly assist the student in
forming a proper idea of the scattered condition of
the Jews about the commencement of the Christian
era.
We have no knowledge of the location or condi-
tion of that part of the ten tribes who went into the
north country.
B. C. 6oo, a colony left Jerusalem, under one
Lehi, to people the western hemisphere. Eleven
years after, it was followed by another under the
direction of Mulek. Their descendants have scat-
tered over the American continent from Cape Horn
to the Arctic Sea.
This branch of the house of Israel may truly be
said to be scattered over half the globe. The Book
of Mormon, and the monumental ruins they have left
on the land, give us all the information we have of
them down to the year 1492, A. D., when Christopher
Columbus discovered America.
Since that time, their history forms a part of the
general history of the continent, which is a record of
the fulfilment of many of the prophecies, in the
Bible and Book of Mormon, concerning the scatter-
ing of Israel.
Deut. 28. 37 thou shalt become a proverb and a by-word.
6-1 Israel to be scattered from one end of the earth even unto
the other. Chap. 32. 2(5.
Psalm 106. 27 to overthrow their seed also among the nations.
Isa. 5. 13 my people have gone into captivity.
10. 3 what will ye do in tlie day of visitation?
32. 14 the multitude of the city shall be left.
42. 24 who gave Jacob for a spoil and Israel to the robbeiv.
64. 10 Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
Jer. 5. 15—18 I will bring a nation upon you from afar. Deut,
28. 49—57.
6. 8—32 their houses, iiekis.and wives shall be tuiiifd to others
THE SCATTERING OF ISRAEL. 89
7. 15 and I will cast you out of my sight.
8. 3 wliic]i remain in all the places whither I have driven
them.
9. 11 I will make the cities of Judah de'solate. IG.
10. 22 to make the cities of Judah desolate. 25.
15 . d I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the
earth.
S4, 17 to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
EzeJc. 2). 23 I would disperse them through the countries. Chap.
22. 15. Ckav. 34. 6. Chai). 36. 19.
//o.s'. 7. 8. Ephraim hath^iiixed himself among the people.
Joel 3. 2 the Lord will plead with all nations who have scat-
tered his people.
Amos 7. 17 Israel shall surely go into captivity.
9. 9 I will sift the house of Israel among all nations.
Mlc. 3. 12 Zion shall be ploughed as a held.
Zach. 7. 14 1 scattered them with a whirlwind among all na-
tions.
10. 9 I will sow them among the people.
Matt. 23. 38 your house is left unto you desolate. Luke 13. 35.
James 1. 1 to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 10. 12—14 the house of Israel to be scattered over all
the face of the earth. Chap. 14. 14. Chap. 22. 3.
13. 14 the seed of the brethren of Nephi to be scattered and
smitten of the Gentiles.
39 other books to come forth to the convincing of the Jews who
were scattered o\'er the face of the whole earth.
19. 14 they shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a
his.s and a by-word.
22. 4 the more part of all the tribes have been led away and
are scattered, to and fro, on the isles of the sea.
5 the Jews to be scattered among all nations, because they
hardened their hearts against the Holy One of Israel. 2 Nephl lo'.
5, 6, 22.
7 the Lord shall raise up a mighty nation in this land, and by
them shall our seed be scattered.
2 Nephi 6. 8 the Lord showed Jacob that those at Jerusalem
had been slain and scattered. 11.
25. 14, 15 the iinal destruction of Jerusalem foretold.
IG the Jews to be scourged until they believe in the Messiah.
Hel. 15. 12 the Lamanites to be hunted, and smitten, and scat-
tered.
3.Vc;)/til0. 7 the places of your dwellings shall become deso-
late, until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your
fathers.
IC'. 4 the remnant of their seed who shall be scattered on the
face of the earth.
20, 27 wliich blessings upon the Gentiles shall make them
miglity, unto the scattering of my people. Mormon 5. 9, 20.
Mormon 5. 15 this people shall be Scattered and bec-ome dark,
Ether 13. 11 they are th.ey who Avere scattered and galliered
from tlie four quarters of the earth, and from the north country.
90 GATHERING OF ISRAEL.
GATHERING OP^ ISRAEL.
It will appear to the most*casual reader, that the
Gathering of Israel is predicated on its having been
scattered. That part of the subject needs to be well
studied, to obtain a proper conception of the great
work of gathering in the latter times.
■ As general as was the scattering of Israel so must
the gathering be. If the dispersion was over all the
earth, and among -all nati6ns, so the gathering must
be out of all nations, and from all parts of the earth.
When we reflect that it is thirty- two centuries since
the enemies of Israel began to oppress them in the
land of Canaan, that about one-third of the time they
were a people in that land, they were, more or less, in
bondage to their enemies; that seven hundred years
before the coming of Christ the ten tribes were scat-
tered throughout western Asia; that we have no
record that any have as yet returned to the land of
their inheritance; that nearly 600 years before Christ
the Babylonish captivity took place, and that, ac-
cording to the Book of Esther only a part of the Jews
ever returned, but were scattered through the
127 provinces of the Persian empire; that Asia was
the hive from which swarmed the nomadic tribes
who overran Europe; that at the destruction of Jerusa-
lem by the Romans the Jews were scattered over the
known world; we may well ask the question, Does
not Israel to-day constitute a large proportion of the
human family? With this comprehensive view of
the subject of the scattering, we the better understand
such passages as the following, *M will gather the
remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I
have driven them; " Jer. 23. 3. " Wherefore, he will
bring them again out*of captivity, and they shall be
gathered together to the lands of their inheritance;
GATHERING OF ISRAEL. 9 1
and they shall be brought out of obscurity, and out
of darkness; " i Nephi 22. 12.
Our Savior had a clear conception of the magni-
tude of this gathering when he said, **He shall s^end
his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and
they shall gather together his elect from the four
winds, from one end of heaven to the other; " Matt.
24. 31.
'* And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the
Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled;"
Luke 21. 24. That is until the Gentile rule shall
wane before the growing power of Israel, when,
*' Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlast-
ing salvation;" /sa, 45. 17. When '^ They shall
take them captives, whose captives they were; and
they shall rule over their oppressors; "14. 2.
Then will the promise made to Abraham be fully
realized by his children, ''And thy seed shall possess
the gate of.his enemies;" Gen, 22.17. Then will
Abraham be the heir of the world, *'* Through the
righteousness of faith; " ,Rom. 4. 13.
It is evident from the Book of Mormon, that the
Jews, as well as other portions of the house of Israel,
will believe in Jesus Christ and accept the Gospel,
before they are gathered to the land of their inherit-
ance.
The first Nephi, about 600 vears before the fina\
dispersion of the Jews, recorded the following very
comprehensive prophecy about their gathering: "''And
after they have been scattered, and the Lord God
hath scourged them by other nations, for the space
of many generations, yea, even down from genera-
tion to generation, until they shall be persuaded to
believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atone-
ment, which is infinite for all mankind; and when that
day shall come, that they shall believe in Christ, and
worship the Father in his name, v/ith pure hearts and
clean hands, and look not forward any more for an-
other Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come
that it must needs be expedient that they'sliould be-
lieve these things, and the Lord will set his hand again
the second time to restore his people from their lost
92 GATHERING OF ISRAEL.
and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a
marvellous work and a wonder among the children of
men; " 2 Nephi 25. 15, 16, 17.
Bexd. 30. 3 Lord will gather Israel from all nations whither he
has scattered them.
Nell. 1. 9 the Lord will gather those that are scattered from the
uttermost part of heaven.
Psalm 50. 5 gather my Saints together who have made a cove-
nant with me by sacrifice.
Is%. 2. 2 in the last days the mountain of the Lord's house shall
be established in the tops of the mountains.
5. 2G, 27 he will lift up an ensign to the nations.
10. 20, 22 the remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob.
11. 11—16 set his hand the second time to recover the remnant.
18, 1—3 see ye when he liftelh up an ensign on the m.oun tains.
27. 12, 13 ye shall be gatliered one by one.
29. 22, 23 Jacob shall not now be ashamed.
35. 10 the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion.
40. 2 speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem. 9, 11.
43. 5, 6 I will bring thy seed from the east.
9 let ail nations be gathered together, let the people be assem-
bled.
49. 12 these shall come from far, from the north and from the
west.
22 lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to
the people.
23 kings shall be thy nursing fathers.
51. 3 the Lord will comfort Zion.
1 L the redeemed of the Lord shall return.
52. 9—12 the Lord hath com^forted his people, he hath redeemed
Jerusalem.
51. 7 with great mercies will I gather thee.
56. 1—8 the stranger that keepeth his hand from doing evil,
will the Lord gather witli the outcasts of Israel.
60. 3 the Gentiles shall come to thy light.
4 thy sons shall come from far. 5, 6, 10, 16.
61. 4 they shall repair the desolations of many generations.
62. 7 till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
66. 20 they shall bring your brethren out of all nations.
Jer. 3. 14 take one of a'city and two of a family.
17 all nations shall be gathered to Jerusalem.
18 the house of Judah sliall v/alk with the liouse of Israel.
16. 14—16 it shall no more be said, the Lord li\eth that brought
up the children of Israel out of Egypt. I will send for many
fishers.
23. 8 Lord liveth which led the children of Israel out of the
north countrv.
25. 34 the days of your dispersions are accomplished.
30. 3 I will bring again the captivity of my people. 10, 18.
31. 8—14 I will bring them from tlie north country, and gather
GATHERING OF ISRAEL. 93
them frojii the coasts of the south. They shall come with weep-
ing.
32. 37—44 I will give them one heart, I will make an everlast-
ing covenant with them.
33. 9 Israel shall be an honor to me before all the nations of
the earth. 14, 16.
50. 4, 5 they shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces thither-
ward.
Ezek, 11. 17 I will assemble you out of the countries.
20. S4— 42 in my holy mountain' shall the house of Israel
serve me.
28. 23 when I shall be sanctified in Israel, in the siglit of the
heathen.
34. 11—31 Lord will deliver his sheep out of all places where
they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day.
37. 21 — 28 Israel shall be one nation, and one king shall reign
over them.
Joel 2. 15, 16 blow ye the trumpet in Zion, gather the people.
Zeph. 3. 19, 20 I will make you a praise among all people.
Book o£ ;0tormoit.
1 Ne'pld 10. 14 the house of Israel to be gathered in.
19. 15—17 then will he remember the isles of the sea.
2 Nepld 6. 11 when the Jews shall come to a knowledge of their
Redeemer, they shall be gathered again to the lands of their in-
heritance.
9. 2 when they shall be restored to the true church, they shall
be established in their lands of promise.
10. 7 when they believe that I am Christ, I have covenanted
Avitli tlieir lathers that they shall be restored to the lands ol their
inheritance.
Si>. 7 8 the Jews shall begin to believe in Christ, and to gather.
Jacol) 6. 2 he shall set his hand the second time to recover his
people.
3 Nephi 5. 26 then shall they know their Redeemer, and be
gathered from the four quarters of the earth.
20. 29—33 the Jews shall believe in Jesus Christ, then will the
Father gather them together again.
21. 1 a sign that I will gather in my people from their long
dispersion.
26- 2« at that day shall the w^ork of the Father commence
among all the dispersed of my people.
Mormon 5. 14 the record ot the Nephites to go to the Jews, that
tliev mav believe in Christ.
Sec. 29. 7, 8 bo gathered in one place, and be prepared against
the day of tribulation.
42. 36 be gatheied in one when I shall come to my temple.
45. 17 day of redemption shall come, and the restoration ot
pea-ttereti Israel.
94 GATHERING OF ISRAEL.
25 but shall remain until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
43 and the remnant shall be gathered unto this place.
69 there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation.
57. 1, 2 the land of Missouri consecrated for the gathering of
the Saints.
58. 56 let the work of the gathering not be in haste.
63. 36 I will that my Saints should be assembled upon the land
of Zion.
101. 13 and they that l3nve been scattered shall be gathered.
20—22 the Lord will ai)point the places for the gathering of his
Saints.
64—69 must gather my people, according to the parable of the
wheat and tares.
105. 24 boast not of faith or mighty works, but carefully gather
together.
110. IL Moses delivered the keys of the gathering of Israel.
125. 2 let them gather to places 1 shall appoint, by my servant
Joseph.
133. 7 go ye out from Babylon, gather ye out from the nations.
See Sermon, by y. S?niih, y. of Z)., Vol. 6, pa^e Bjy,
•* " Z?, Voting, ' •• " ^, - 266,
" 12, " j6i.
" 72, " 226,
" y. 7 ay /or, " "10," 150.
*• (A Pnitf, " " 7c?, " 16,
*' G. Q, Caution, " " 75, " 202,
O, Spencer s Letters to Rev, Win. Croioel, No. 10,
Article, Mil. ^^tar, Vol. 4, pai^es 161 and lyy,
" 22, " 327, 339, 3^2, jyg.
449'
b'yD. McK., Mil. Star, Vol. 38, page 2()6,
History oj jf. Smith, April 21, 18 j 4.
BOOK OF MORMON. 95
BOOK OF MORMON— EVIDENCES OF ITS
DIVINE AUTHENTICITY. .
In order that the predictions of the ancient pro-
phets might be fulfilled^ it v/as necessary that a book
3e
should be brought forth to the world which should
a record of truth. This book must also come forth
from the earth.
The prophet Enoch, according to Bible chro
nology, lived 969 years before the flood.
On a certain occasion, the Lord made known to
him many things that should transpire a short period
before his latter-day coming. He said, '^ Great tribu-
lation shall be among the children of men, but my
people will I preserve;, and righteousness will I send
down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out
of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begot-
ten; and righteousness and truth will I cause to
sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine
own elect from the four quarters of the earth." P, of
G, P., page 21.
The Book of Mormon, in every particular, fulfils
this Very ancient prediction of Enoch's. It is a re-
cord of truth ; it was brought forth from the earth ; it
bears testimony of the Only Begotten Son of God; of
his birth, death, resurrection, teachings, and ministra-
tions among the Nephites. Righteousness has been
sent down out of heaven by the restoration of the
Priesthood, with all its authority, ordinances, and
blessings, through which, alone, righteousness can be
made manifest.
The latter-day gathering of Israel has been inaug-
urated, and righteousness, and truth are sweeping
the earth as with a flood, and gathering the elect from
the four quarters of the earth.
This wonderful prophecy of Enoch's was reiter-
96 BOOK OF MORMON.
ated by prophets who lived many centuries after him.
The Psalrrjist David, who lived until 1015 B. C, men-
tions this event in connection wiih the latter days:
^^ Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteous-
ness shall look down from heaven; " Psahns 85. 11.
The prophet Isaiah, also, saw in prophetic vision
these great events of the latter days, w^hen he said:
^'Let the skies pour down righteousness; let the
earth open and let them '^ — that is, the earth and the
skies together — "bring forth salvation; " 45. 8.
According to the twenty-ninth chapter of Isaiah^
there was to be a people who like Ariel, or Jerusa-
lem, were to be brought down and they should speak
out of the ground, their speech was to be low out of
the dust.
The predictions in verses i — 6 of this chapter
have been fulfilled in every particular, in the history
of the Nephites and in the coming forth of their rec-
ord, the Book of Mormon.
For an account of the fulfilment of many of the
predictions in this chapter, see P, of G, P,, pages
49—54.
Ezekiel's prophecy, in chapter 2,7^ verses 16 — 20,
concerning the sticks of Judah and Joseph, is literal-
ly fulfilled in this generation. The most of the Lat-
ter-day Saints are'of the tribe of Ephraim, the son of
Joseph. There can be but one conclusion with re-
gard to the Bible, and that is, that it is the stick of
Judah referred to by Ezekiel.
The stick or record of Joseph, is fitly represented
by the Book of Mormon, which is a record of the
Nephites, who are descendants of Joseph who was
sold into Egypt. They are both, to-day, in the hands
of Ephraim.
A very good explanation of this subject 13 con-
tained in 2 NepJii^ chapter 3. Lehi was rehearsing
to his son Joseph, some important promises which
the Lord made to their father, Joseph, who was sold
into Egypt. The special promise to which we refer
is in the twelfth verse.
^* Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and
the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and th^t
BOOK OF MORMON. 97
which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and
also that which shall be written by the fruit of the
loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the con-
founding of false doctrines, and laying down of con-
tentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of
thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of
their fathers in the latter-days; and also to the
knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.'*
The following from the writings of O. Pratt, is
very appropriate to this subject.
''If the historical parts of the Book of Mormon
be compared with what little is known from other
sources, concerning the history of ancient America,
there will be found much evidence to substantiate its
truth ; but there cannot be found one truth among all
the gleanings of antiquity that clashes with the
historical truths of the Book of Mormon.
''If the prophetical part of this wonderful book
be compared with the prophetical declarations of the
Bible, there will be found much evidence in the latter
to establish the truth of the former. But though
there are many predictions in the Book of Mormon,
relating to the great events of the last days, which
the Bible gives us no information about, yet there is
nothing in the predictions of the Bible that contra-
dicts in the least, the predictions of the Book of
Mormon -
*' If the doctrinal part of the Book of Mormon be
compared with the doctrines of the Bible, there
will be found the same perfect harmony which we
find on the comparison of the prophetical parts of the
two books. Although there are many points of the
doctrine of Christ that are far more plain and definite
in the Book of Mormon than in the Bible, and many
things revealed in relation to doctrine that never
could be fully learned from the Bible^ yet there are
not any items of doctrine in the two sacred books
that contradict each other, or clash in the least.
" If the various books which enter into the collec-
tion, called the Book of Mormon, be carefully com-
pared with each other, there will be found nothing
contradictory in history, in prophecy, or in doctrine.
7
gS BOOK OF MORMON.
^^ If the miracles of the Book of Mormon be Com-
pared with the miracles of the Bible, there cannot be
found in the former anything that would be more
difficult to believe, than what we find in the latter.
** If we compare the historical, prophetical, and
doctrinal parts of the Book of Mormon, with the
great truths of science and nature, we find no con-
tradictions— no absurdities — nothing unreasonable.
The most perfect harmony, therefore, exists between
the great truths revealed in the Book of Mormon,
and all other known truths, whether religious, histori-
cal, or scientific." Divine Authenticity of B. of M,y
page 56.
A person educated in the doctrines and traditions
of modern Christianity, could not have written the
Book of Mormon, for many of its important doctrines
do not agree with those of the Christian sects.
They do not believe in the ministry of angels, in
miracles, in signs, in dreams and in visions. The
book had its origin in those things, much of it is made
up of an account of them.
Lehi, the most prominent patriarch of the aborigi-
nal American race, was warned by an angel that
Jerusalem would be destroyed; i Nephi i. 11, 13.
That he might not be destroyed with it, the Lord
warned him in a dream to take his family and depart
into the wilderness; 2. 2. In the nineteenth verse
of this last chapter, the Lord spake to Nephi, and
blessed him on account of his great faith.
Nephi, who wrote the first two books of the Book
of Mormon, had wonderful visions and manifesta-
tions. An infidel, or deist, having no faith in mani-
festations from God, could not have written the book;
equally impossible that it could have been written by
a sectarian Christian.
Was the Book of Mormon written for a romance?
It would spoil the interest of a work of fiction, for
the writer to commence it with a sketch of the plan
of his story. Yet the two books of Nephi, which
commence the Book of Mormon, are a very plain,
prophetic sketch of the then future history of the
people of America.
BOOK OF MORMON* 99
Besides, what writer of fiction could expect to in-
terest the literary world of the nineteenth century,
with an account of the organization of a church,
on the American continent, exactly after the pattern
of the primitive church in Asia, with advocating bap-
tism by immersion for the remission of sins, the gift
of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and
with an almost verbatim repetition of Christ's sermon
on the Mount. Such a fiction would be wanting in
all the elements of modern romance.
Skeptics, Christian divines, and writers of ro-
mance are not the men to stake their reputation on
the enunciation of such principles as the following:
'* He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,
and he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be
damned." "Harlotry is the most abominable of all
sins in the sight of God, except it be the sin against
the Holy Ghost." In fact, it is the teaching of such
pure principles in the Book of Mormon that makes
it so very unpopular with a large portion of man-
kind.
The Book of Mormon, as a whole, must be either
true or false. If false, the Bible is equally so, for
there is no antagonism between the two.
The former states that it and the Bible shall grow
together for the confounding of false doctrine in the
latter times. The writer of a book of errors would
hardly have staked his reputation on the fact that his
book was an evidence of the truth of the Bible, and
vice versa. That one is a witness ot the truth of the
other is readily evident to any one who will honestly
compare them.
Written by different authors, under very different
circumstances, and on opposite sides of the globe,
such perfect concordance would have been impossi-
ble, unless the authors had all been actuated by the
same Spirit of divine inspiration.
The admission is general that the Bible was writ-
ten and compiled on the Eastern hemisphere, and,
more or less continuously through a period of some
1500 years. The fact is generally recognized that
ihe Book of Mormon was written on the Western
100 BOOK OF MORMON.
hemisphere, and by those who had nothing to do in
getting up the Bible.
The chain of history it has recorded; the princi-
ples it teaches; its anomalous style as a literary pro-
duction, and its truthfulness as a prophetic record,
are all against its being a producton of modern
times.
As an ancient record, it contains many predictions
of prophets and seers which have been realized, and
many others which are now having a remarkable ful-
filment. It has these facts in favor of its divine ori-
gin, as well as the Bible.
Not the least remarkable of its prophecies are
those declaring how it should be written, and why.
How it should be hid up in the earth for mariy gener-
ations, and how it should come forth in the latter
times; every particular of which has been realized.
Isa. 29. 10—12 the vision of all is become as the words of a
book.
18, 14 and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of
men.
18 in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book.
43. 19 I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth.
Ezek. 37, 15—28 the sticks of Judah and Ephraim.
Hos. 8. 12 1 have written to him the great things of my law.
Hah. 1. 5 I will work a v/ork in your days whictli you will not
believe.
2. 3 for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the enci
it shall speak.
jiortriKi antr ^ohzMnnts,
Sec. 3. 16—20 the records of the Book of Mormon preser\e(].
tliat the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled.
5. 11—15 the testimony of three witnesses to the Book of Mor-
mon.
10. 1 — 52 concerning that portion of the Book of Morinoii
which . xVlartin Harris had permitted to pass into the hands of
y^'icked* men.
20. 8 gave him power from on high to translate the Book of
Mormon.
9—16 the purposes of God in bringing forth the Book of Mor-
mon.
21 1 thou wast called and chosea to writ© the Book of Mormon.
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. lOI
27. 5 and with Moroni, whom I have sent to reveal the Book of
Mormon.
38. 16 Book of Mormon and Holy Scriptures given for instruc-
tion.
42. 12 elders to teach the principles contained in the Bible and
Book of Mormon.
124. 119 unless he be a believer in the Book of Mormon and the
revelations.
lor, 3 J. Smith, Jun., brought forth the Book of Mormon by
the power of God.
6 Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants cost the best
blood of the nineteenth ceuturv.
^Btarl of (Suat ^xin.
44—57 an account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon
in fulfilment of prophecy.
S^e Sermon by O, Pratt ^ y, of Z)., Vot, 75, pa^e lyS.
'♦ 16, '' 2og.
A series of six pamphlets, by O. Pralt, on the Divine Ah-
thenticiiy of the Book of Morinon.,
Public Discussion between J. Taylor and Rev^ds C. VV.
Cleeve^ yames Robertson and Phillip Cater,
An account of several remarkable visions ^ by O. Prait.
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., AS A FULFILLER
OF BIBLE PROPHECIES.
The mission of Joseph Smith, Jun., is the key of
llie dispensation of the fuhiess of times. If he was
not sent of God, the pretentions of the Latter-day
Saints lo be the true Gospel church are without foun-
daiion, and their labors for the redemption of the
world must prove a failure.
If, in his life's labors, and their results, the pre-
dictions of the ancient prophets are being fulfilled.
102 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
-it should be satisfactory evidence of the divinity ol
his mission. For unless a man have the spirit of
the prophets, he can neither understand their predic-
tions, nor the nature of the events that would fulfil
them.
John, the Revelator, in his vision of the latter
times, saw another *^Ano^el tiy in the midst of
heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto
ihem that dwell on the earth, and to every nation,
and kindred, and tongue;" Rev. 14. 6.
On page 49, P. ofG. P.^ Joseph Smith, Jun., states
that a glorious personage appeared to him and said
that his name was Moroni. This angel told Mr.
Smith one thing concerning his own future, that,
since that time, 1823, has had a remarkable fulfilment.
This was that his name ^'should be had for good or
evil among all nations, kindreds and tongues.'^
He also informed him that there was a record on
gold plates, deposited in the earth, which gave an
account of the ancient inhabitants of this continent,
and of the source from which they sprang.
A book containing such information, as the angel
said, was engraven on the plates, Vi^as produced by
Mr. Smith, with competent witnesses that it was a
translation from certain plates of gold which were
shown to them by an angel. {See Book of Mormon
for the historical accotint, and the third page for the
testimony of the witnesses,^
The angel Moroni further stated, that the record
contained the fulness of the everlasting Gospel.
Here we have all the conditions necessary for the
fulfilment of the prophetic vison of St. John, regard-
ing the restoration of the Gospel in the latter times.
The angel repeated to Mr. Smith the fifth verse
of the last chapter of Malachi, thus: '* Behold, I will
reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah
the prophet, before the coming of the great and
dreadful day of the Lord." In Doc. &^ Cov.^ no. 13,
14, we find an account of the fulfilment of this pro-
l)hecy, by the appearance of Elijah to Mr. .Smith.
He stateci that he had come in fulfilment of this pre-
.iiction of Malachi's.
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. I03
The angel Moroni quoted the sixth verse as fol-
lows: '^ And he shall plant in the hearts of the child-
ren, the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts
of the children shall turn to their fathers; if it were
not so, the whole earth would be utterly v/asted at
his coming." '^ Therefore," said the prophet Elijah
to Joseph Smith, *^The keys of this dispensation
are committed into your hands."
After receiving authority from the prophet Elijah,
Mr. Smith made it the business of his life to lay the
foundation for accomplishing the great work com-
mitted to him. He has left the world most important
instructions on this subject, in Doc. &^ Cov, sec,
128.
After referring to the prophecy of Malachi, he says
^^ It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth
will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a welding
link of some kind or other, between the fathers and
the children, upon some subject or other, and behold,
what is that subject? It is baptism for the dead.
For we without them cannot be made perfect;
neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither
can they nor we, be made perfect, without those who
have died in the Gospel also;" verse i8. It is neces-
sary that all things be connected and welded together
in one glorious and complete union, from Adam down
to the present time.
To accomplish this it is necessary that the hearts
of the fathers and children be turned towards each
other, by understanding the promises made in the
Gospel. We have no information that the Christian
world has had any knowledge of these glorious prin-
ciples for the universal redemption of man, from the
time of the primitive church until they were revealed
through Joseph Smith, Jun.
In the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon,
through the agency of an angel, we find the ful-
film^ent of Psalm 85. 11, "Truth shall spring out of
the earth; and righteousness shall look down from
heaven; " and also of a parallel prophecy of Enoch's,
P.ofG. P, page 21. ''Righteousness will I send
down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out
104 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
of the earth." What for? ^* To bear testimony of
mine Only Begotten."
Truth came forth out of the earth, in the Book of
Mormon, through the ministration of the angel Moro-
ni, and righteousness came down out of heaven
through the blessings and ordinances of the holy
Priesthood, as restored to the earth by John the
Baptist, when he appeared to J. Smith, Jun., and O.
Cowdery, and conferred upon them the Priesthood
of Aaron, ** Which holds the keys of the ministering
of angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and of
baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;"
Doc, &^ Cov, 13.
And by Peter, James and John, who were sent to
Jos. Smith, Jun., and others, and who ordained them
to be apostles and especial witnesses of Christ. 27. 12,
Through these ordinances and .blessings came the
power to work righteousness on the earth.
Plere we have all the conditions for the fulfilment
of the prophecies of Enoch and David, through the
agency of Mr. Smith. VVe find, by comparison, that
there is no antagonism in doctrine between the Book
of Mormon and Bible. Christ said, " This Gospel
of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for
a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end
come;" Malt, 2^. 14.
Joseph Smith, Jun., reiterates this prediction of our
Savior's nearly 1800 years after its utterance: " For
verily the voice ot the Lord is unto all men; " Doc.
&^ Cov, I. 2; '^And the voice of warning shall be
unto all people; " verse 4. '* Wherefore the voice of
the Lord is unto the ends of the earth; " verse 11.
Joseph Smith, Jun., spent the labors of his life, for
the accomplishment of the great work of preaching
the Gospel to all the world, and it has been the great
object of the labors of the Latter-day Saints for more
than fifty years. Considering the magnitude of the
work it is being rapidly accomplished.
Jesus called the Gospel, the *' Gospel of the king-
dom." Of what kingdom did he speak, unless of a
kingdom of God on the earth which this Gospel was
to establish? Even the kingdom which Daniel speaks
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. I05
of: ** And in the days of these kings shall the God of
heaven set up a kingdom, which shall nevtv be des-
troyed: "-■• ^ and it shall stand forever;" Van,
2. 44. '* And there was given him (the Son of Man)
dominion J and glory, and a kingdom, that all peo-
ple, nations, and languages, should serve him;"
7. 14; ''And the kingdom and dominion, and the
greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the Saints of the
Most High;" verse 27. The kingdom which this
Gospel was to build up, is the great object for
which all Latter-day Saints labor.
One of the great burdens of the ancient prophets
was the gathering of Israel in the latter days, that
Jerusalem might be established, and Zion built up,
that the law might go forth from Zion, '' And the
word of the Lord from Jerusalem; " /sa. 2. 3.
It is evident from the tenor of the inspired writ-
ings, that this kingdom is to consist of gathered Is-
rael, and therefore the gathering of Israel must be a
part of *' This Gospel of the kingdom." Some one
must receive authority to organize the means for ac-
complishing this great gathering of the latter days.
The former great gatherer and deliverer of Israel
was Moses, ^nd he, very naturally, was the one to
restore that authority to the earth after the fulness
of the Gentiles should come in.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Jos.
Smith, Jun., understood this, and had the faith to re-
ceive the administrations of Moses, and he has left
the fact on record. "And Moses appeared before us,
and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of
Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the lead-
ing of the ten tribes from the land of the north;"
Doc. dr^ Cov, no. II.
Lie preached ''This Gospel of the kingdom," the
obedient received the Holy Ghost, and it moveJ
Ihem to gather together, and Israel, for over fifty
years, has been gathering to form that kingdom in
fulfilment of the predictions of the ancient prophets.
Joseph Smith, Jun., is the first man of whom we
have any record, for some 1800 years, that has labored
I06 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
for the fulfilment of the predictions of the ancient
prophets; Doc, &^ Cov. i. i8.
The Lord said, through his prophet Micah, " In
the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain
of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top
of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills ;
* * and many nations shall come, and say.
Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:
for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word
of the Lord from Jerusalem; " Mic. 4. i, 2.
P^or man}' years there has been a ^' House of the
Lord" in Salt Lake City, in the top of the mountains,
and for more than thirty years, the people of many
nations have been saying, " Come and let us go up
to the mountain of the Lord."
That there will be a place called Zion from w^hich
"The law shall go forth," distinct from Jerusalem, is
evident from Isaiah, '^ When the Lord of Hosts shall
reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; " 24. 23.
How is it that Joseph Smith, Jun., first organ-
ized the means for the partial fulfilment of this
prophecy, and left, at his death, the authority and in-
structions necessary to complete its fulfilment, by the
building of a great city to be called Zion, in the state
of Missouri, which in fulfilment of the prophecy,
shall become the capital of this western hemisphere,
if he did not obtain his knowledge of the whole
matter through Divine inspiration?
The Jaredite prophet. Ether, some 2500 years
ago, foretold '^ That a New Jerusalem should be
built up upon this land (America), unto the seed of
Joseph; " Ether 13. 4, 6.
There is a v/onderful connection between this
passage in the Book of Mormon, and the prophecies
of Isaiah and Micah, the result of one spirit of
inspiration, acting upon different men, in countries,
long distances apart, and at difierent periods of time.
It is quite as unaccountable on any other grounds
than that of inspiration, that Joseph Smith, Jun., after
many centuries had elapsed since these predictions of
JOSEPH SMITHj JUN. IO7
the prophets, should declare to the world that the
time was at hand for their fulfilment, and that he
should have the confidence to indicate the identical
spot, on this great land of North Am.erica, where this
city of Zion is to be built. " This is the land of
promise, and the place for the city of Zion. * * *
Behold, the place which is now called Independence,
is the center place, and a spot for the temple is lying
westward; " Doc. &^ Cov, 57. 2, 3.
JOSEPH SMITH AS A FULFILLER OF
BOOK OF MORMON PROPHECIES.
The first Nephi, 2400 years before the days of
Joseph Smith, the Prophet, had a vision of the dis-
covery and colonization of America by Europeans.
He also savv' the record of the Jews (the Bible) come
forth from the Gentiles to the remnant of the seed of
his brethren (the American Indians). He says, "After
it had come forth unto them, I beheld other books,
which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from
the Gentiles unto them: " i Nephi 13. 38, 39.
Admitting that this prophecy has been partly ful-
filled, by Christian denominations who have sent
missionaries and the Bible among the Indians, it
remained for Joseph Smith, Jun., to initiate the ful-
filment of the second part of the prophecy, that
other books, besides the Bible, should come forth to
the children of Lehi, which should bear testimony of
the truth of the Bible.
The Book of Mormon was the first of this series
of books, which were to be carried forth among the
American Indians, after the Bible. It has been fol-
lowed by the book of Doctrine and Covenants, con-
I08 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
taining revelations and instructions concerning the
latter-day work, and by inspired translations from the
writings of Enoch, Abraham and Moses, which all
bear record of the truth of the Jewish prophets, and
of the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, as foretold
they would do by the prophet Nephi.
This same prophet further says, '' There is nothing
which is secret, save it shall be revealed; ^^ * -*
there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth, save
it shall be loosed. Wherefore, all thingswhich have
been revealed unto the children of men, shall at that
day be revealed;" 2 ,Vep/ii 30. 17. 18. The context
ot this passage shows that it speaks of the latter
days.
The following is nearly a parallel passage in
meaning: ''AvA he shall send Jesus Christ which be-
fore was preached unto you: whom the heaven must
receive until the times of restitution of all thin^s^
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy
prophets .y/;/^^ the world began;''' Ads 3. 20, 21.
That is, all the knowledge that has ever been re-
vealed to man will be restored to the earth. All that
was revealed to Adam and the ante-diiuvian prophets;
to Noah and the Jaredite prophets; to Abraham; to
Moses and the Jewish prophets; to the Nephite
prophets; to the primitive apostles of our Savior,
and many others, to whom the Lord has shewn all
things from the beginning of the world to the end
thereof.
^ After many centuries had passed, in which man's
wisdom had failed to comprehend the meaning of the
phrase, ^' The restitution of all things,'' or the
grand fulfilment of prophecy comprehended in a
** Dispensation of the fulness of times"— a time in
which all the knowledge and power of all times will
be gathered into one— Jos. Smith, Jun., appears in
the United States of America, and claims that the
Lord has authorized him to open up this grand dis-
pensation of a fulness, and that for this purpose he
has bestowed upon him first, and then through him
upon others, all the keys and powers of the Priest-
hood which had been held in former dispensations.
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. lOQ
'^ YoY unto you, (the twelve) and those (the first
presidency) who are appointed with you, to be your
counselors and your leaders, is the power of this
Priesthood given, for the last days and for the last
time, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness
of times, v/hich power you hold in connection with
all those who have received a dispensation at any
time from the beginning of creation; '' Voc, &^ Cov,
JI2. 30—32.
In sec, no we are informed that Jesus Christ,
Elias, Moses, and Elijah the prophet, appeared to
Jos. Smith, Jun., and others, and bestowed upon
them the keys of the holy Priesthood, held in other
dispensations, that they might be concentrated in
this.
In these last two quotations, from Doc, &^ Cov.^
we have an account of the bestowal of the necessary
authority upon certain persons, for the opening up of
the gathering dispensation of the latter times, that
is perfectly consistent with the Book of Mormon and
the Bible.
No man, unless endowed by Divine inspiration,
:ould have conceived of such a sacramental feast as
is represented in the following, to which will be
gathered in the latter times, the great dignitaries of
all dispensations, with Jesus Christ at their head,
together holding all the keys, authority and powers
of the holy Priesthood, pertaining to the redemption
of man and of the earth.
'' For the hour cometh that I will drink of the
fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with
Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the
Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my ever-
lasting Gospel, ^^ ^ " and also with Elias,
to whom 1 have committed the keys of bringing to
pass tiie restoration of all things," and with John the
Baptist, "whom 1 have sent unto you, my servants,
Jos. Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cov/dery, to ordain
you unto this first Priesthood which you have re-
ceived. ■'=• ■^■
''And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the
keys of the power of turning the hearts of the
1 10 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
fathei^ to the children, * ^^ ^ and also with
Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your
lathers - .;- and also with Michael, or Adam,
the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days.
And also with Peter, and James, and John, *
•: J by whom I have ordained you and con-
hrmed you to be Apostles, and especial witnesses of
my name,and bear the keys of your ministry, and of
the same things which 1 have revealed unto them : unto
whom I have committed the keys of my kincrdom, and
a dispensation of the Gospel for the last times; and
tor the fulness of times, in the which I will gather to-
gether in one all things, both which are in heaven,
and which are on earth; " 27. 5—13.
On a certain occasion,when the Nephite disciples of
our Savior were engaged ^^in mighty prayer and fast-
IffxVu . ?PP^ared in their midst and asked them,
What will ye that I shall give unto you? And they
said unto him, Lord, we will that thou wouldst
tell us the name whereby we shall call this church-
tor there are disputations among the people concern-
ing this matter.
''And the Lord said unto them, Verily, verily I say
unto you, why is it that the people should murm.ur
and dispute because of this thing? Have they not
read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you
the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this
name si Ml ye be called at the last day. *- * ^
Theretbre whaLsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in
my name; therefore ye shall call the church in mv
name;" 3 A^<ff^//;/ 27. 2—7.
In the above Jesus plainly told his disciples that
his name was Christ, and that his church should be
called Christ's Church, not Christian, Cathohc
Campbellite or Episcopalian.
When Jos Smith, Jun., organized this church,
on the 6th of April, 1830, it was organized as the
Church of Jesus Christ, in obedience^o the instruc-
tions of Jesus Christ, some 1800 years before.
The prophet Nephi, speaking' of the gathering of
Israel, says, that the Lord -'Will bring them a^ain
out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. Ill
to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be
brought out of obscurity, and out of darkness ; "
I Nephi 22. 12.
The Book of Mormon, brouo^ht forth through the
agency of Jos. Smith, Jun., reveals to the world the
fact that the millions of aboriginal Americans scat-
tered oveT the American continent, from Cape Horn
to the Arctic Ocean, are of the house of Israel.
The keys of the Patriarchial Priesthood enable
those on whom they are bestowed, to know, by rev-
elation, the lineage of the Latter-day Saints, and
tens of thousands of Ephraim, and thousands of
Manasseh, are being gathered, who were not known
before the days of Jos. Smith, Jun., as portions of
the house of Israel. Thus the gieat work of bring-
ing the tribes of Israel, out of obscurity and darkness,
and of developing their existence to themselves,
and to the world, has been inaugurated by Jos. Smith,
Jun. The work must continue until they are
gathered from all parts of the earth, in fulfilment of
the words of the prophets, and of the promises made
to their fathers.
The following promise was made to Joseph who
was sold into Egypt, ^' The fruit of thy loins shall
write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall
write;" and that which shall be written, ''Shall
grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines,
and laying down of contentions, and establishing
peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them
to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter-days ;
and also the knowledge of my covenants, saith the
Lord;" 2 Nephi ^. 12. Jos. Smith, Jun., has brought
forth the Book of Mormon, the writing of the fruit of
the loins of Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh,
and has placed it, side by side, with the writing of the
fruit of the loins of Judah — the Bible — the one estab-
lishing the truth of the other, and thus has literally
fulfilled this prophecy.
The Lord further said to Joseph who was sold
into Egypt, '^ 1 will raise up unto the fruit of thy
loins; and I will make for him a spokesman. And
I, behold, I will give unto him, that he shall write the
112 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
writing ot the fruit of thy loins (the Nephites), unto
the fruit of thy loins (the American Indians); and
the spokesman of thy loins shall declare it; '^ verse
i8.
In Doc, &^ Cov.y we are informed of the fulfilment
of this prpphecy. The Lord said to Joseph the
prophet and S. Rigdon, 'Ht is expedient in me that
you, my servant Sidney, should be a spokesman unto
this people; yea, verily, I will ordain you unto this
calling, even to be a spokesman unto my servant
Joseph; " loo. 9.
"And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had
cried unto them from the dust; '^ 2 Nephi 3. 19.
Jos- Smith, Jun., was of the lineage of Joseph who was
sold into Egypt, to whom these promises were made.
The Nephites were also his descendants, and they
wrote and hid up the plates of the Book of Mormon,
with the assurance that, in after years, the writing
should be brought forth to their descendants and
others of the house of Israel; Morfnon 2>, 14 — 16.
The record was engraved on plates in a language
known only to the Nephites; Mormon 9. 34.
Of necessity there were some means provided
for interpreting and re-v/riting the record in a modern
language, before it could benefit those for whom it
was designed. With the plates of the Book of Mor-
mon was found a Urim and Thummim, by means of
which, through the power of God, Jos. Smith, Jun.,
was enabled to translate the Nephite record tor the
benefit of the descendants of Lehi, and any others
of the human family who would receive it; Doc, &^
Cov. 10. I. '^And it shall be as if the fruit of thy
loins had cried to them from the dust," was fulfilled
in taking the writing out of the earth, where it had
been deposited for 1400 years.
In Mormon 8. 13, 14, we are informed that the rec-
ord was hid up in the earth by Moroni, the son of
Mormon, and it remained under his care until he de-
livered it to Joseph Smith, Jun., P. of G. P. pa^e 49.
The Lord said, ''And it shall come to pass that my
people which are of the house of Israel, shall be
gathered home unto the lands of their possessions;
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. TI3
and my word also shall be gathered in one;" 2 Nephi
29. 14.
In fulfilment of this prophecy, Jos. Smith,
Jun., during the short period of his ministry, not
only inaugurated the great work of gathering Israel,
but also of gathering together sacred writings,
which at this time consist of the unsealed portion of
the record of Mormon; the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, and of important portions of the writings
ot Enoch, of Abraham, and of Moses. He also
declared that more sacred writings would come forth,
as fast as the people were prepared to receive them.
Moroni, who completed and hid up the record of
Mormon in the earth, says, of the plates^ " Unto
three shall they be shown by the power of God;
wherefore they shall know of a surety that these
things are true. And in the mouth of three witnesses
shall these things be established;" Ether 5. 3, 4.
We find that the Lord repeated this prediction to
Jos. Smith, Jun.; Doc, &-^ Cov, 5. 11 — 15. On the
second page, after the title page of the Book of Mor-
mon, we find the testimony of three men, Oliver
Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, that
an angel appeared to them and showed them the plates,
" Which is a record of the people of Nephi, and
also of the Lamanites their brethren, and also of the
people of Jared, who came from the tower" of Babel.
It was made manifest to them that they had
been translated by the gift and power of God, and
the voice of the Lord commanded that they should
bear record of the things that had been shown them.
114 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN,
JOSEPH SiMITH, JUN., AS A PROPHET.
AND FULFILLER OF HIS OWN
PROPHECIES.
^'And the voice of warning shall be unto all peo-
ple, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have
chosen in these last days;" Doc, &^ Cov, i. 4. This
was one of the first prophetic commandments given
to the Latter-day Saints, through Jos. Smith, Jun.
Many hundreds of the Elders of the Church have
traveled to and fro in the earth, regardless of ex-
posure to the elements, of fatigue, or of percuniary
considerations, warning the people to repent of their
sins, for the day of the Lord was near.
There are now but few nations who are pre-
pared to receive the word, that have not had the
Gospel of this dispensation preached to them. With
a constantly increasing number of Elders, the labor
will continue until the Gospel is preached ^^as a
witness to all nations." The quorums of the Priest-
hood were organized and set in order, by Jos. Smith,
Jun., with this great work especially in view.
\wsec, 3. 16 — 2O5 it is predicted that a knowledge
of the Savior, and also of their fathers, should come
to the descendants of Lehi, the American Indians.
Through the ministry and teachings of Jos. Smith,
tun., tnousands of the Lamanites have come to a
nowledge of their fathers, and many " Believe the
Gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ,"
of which many ol the Latter-day Saints are wit-
nesses.
'• Behold, a marvellous work is about to come
forth among the childrem of men;" 4. i. This de-
claration was made in February, 1829; before the
organization of the Church- The organization of
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. XI5
the Church, the teachings, unity, energy, and progress
of the Latter-day Saints, have, ever been a marvel to
the world, and are daily becoming more so, in fulfil-
ment of this often repeated prediction in the book
of Doc, dr' Gov,
In March, 1829, the Lord said to Jos. Smith, Jun.,
^* For hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth
and deliver my words unto the children of men; " 5.
6. On the 15th of May following, John the Baptist
laid his hands upon the heads of Jos. Smith, Jun.,
and O. Cowdery, and ordained them to "The
Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repent-
ance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission
of sins; " sec. 13.
It is evident that, previous to this time, Jos.
Smith, Jun., had foreseen by the spirit of prophecy,
that it was necessary he should be called of God as
was Aaron, and for this reason was prepared to re-
ceive a proper ordination by the hands of an
authorized messenger from God. We have no rec-
ord of such previous ordination to the Priesthood,
since the days of the primitive apostles.
The Lord said to Joseph Smith, Jun., ^' There are
many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face
of the earth; " 5. 33. The whole life of Jos. Smith,
Jun., and his death, evidence the truthfulness of this
prophecy. Some forty times was he brought before
the courts by his enemies, and they failed to sub-
stantiate the charges preferred against him, and,
on the 27th of June, 1844, he, and his brother
Hyrum, were assassinated in Carthage jail, by a mob,
when under the pledged protection of the Executive
of the state of IlHnois.
''And the poor and the meek shall have the Gos-
pel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth
for the time of my coming;" 35. 15. Not only has
the Gospel been preached to the poor and the meek,
but they are the ones who have received it, and are
looking and preparing for the coming of our Lord,
" For it is nigh at hand."
" Inasmuch as my people shall assemble them-
Il6 JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
selves to the (state of) Ohio, I have kept in store
a blessing such as is not known among the children
of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their
heads;" 39. 15. This prophetic promise was given
through Joseph Smith, Jun., in Fayette, New York,
January 5, 1831. In 1836, a temple was completed in
the town of Kirtland, Ohio. It was the first temple
of modern times, dedicated to that Priesthood of
which Jesus Christ is the acknowledged head.
In this temple the Elders of the Church received
endowments and great blessings, of which the world
generally were entirely ignorant. The Lord said
through J. Smith, Jun., '' The sound must go forth
from this place into ail the world, and unto the utter-
most parts of the earth — the Gospel must be preached
unto every creature, with signs following them that
believe;" 58. 64.
This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Elders
scattering from Kirtland, after receiving their endow-
ments, 10 all parts ot ihe United Slates and the Cana-
(\'A<. niul b\ t'^e first European Mission being estab-
lished soon after,
rxi LUlo Liiuc thousands of Latter-day Saints can
testify that the Gospel has been preached in a large
portion of the world, and that the signs of faith, gift
of tongues, healing, etc., have followed the believer.
The following remarkable prophecy was dehvered
Dec. 25th, 1832. ''Thus saith the Lord, concerning
the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at
the rebellion of South Carolina, which will
eventually terminate in the death and misery of many
souls. The days will come that war will be poured
out upon all nations, beginning at that place; '•• *
and it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves
shall rise up against their masters, who shall be
marshalled and disciplined for war;"
In 1861, twenty-nine years after this prophecy was
recorded, the war between the North and South
commenced in South Carolina. It continued for
several years and was very destructive. In the lat-
ter part of It many thousands of slaves deserted their
masl^rs and wer€ marshalled aad disciplined far
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. II7
war, and formed a part of the armies of the Northern
States.
During the contest the Southern States called
upon the nation of Great Britain for assistance.
"And it shall come to pass also, that the remnants
who are left of the land (the Indians) will marshal
themselves, and shall become exceeding angry, and
shall vex the Gentiles with a soie ve:xation;" Sec. 87.
Never before, since the United States have been
a nation, has the Indian question been so compli-
cated and vexatious as now. That a part of this
prophecy has been so literally fulfilled would seem a
guarantee that the whole will be realized.
The delivery of the keys of the holy Priesthood
unto the Prophet Joseph Smith, by Elias, by Moses,
by Elijah, their ordination to the Priesthood of Aaron
by John the Baptist, to the Melchisedek Priesthood
by Peter, James and John, the building of temples, the
ordinances and endowments for the living and for
the dead, received in them; the preaching of the
Gospel to all the world, the gathering of Israel; and
all the varied labors of the Latter-day Saints in order
to establish a veritable kingdom of God on the earth,
and to prepare for the coming of our Savior in his
glory, are the direct results of the personal labors
and inspired teachings of Joseph Smith, Jun.
He stands forth, pre-eminently, as the Divinely
inspired prophetic leader of the ^^Dispensation of the
fulness of times;" as God's agent for the ^'Restitu-
tion of all things spoken by all holy prophets since
the world began." As the great fulfiller of numer-
ous prophecies of both the ancient Jewish and
Nephite prophets, as recorded in the Bible and Book
of Mormon; as the great prophet of the nineteenth
century, and the fulfiller of his own prophecies,
showing that he was Divinely inspired to both
prophesy and to fulfil.
See a paviphlet by O, Pratt ^ entitled^ ** Divine Authority.,
or, was yosepk Smith sent of God."
A pamphlet entitled ^ '* A Public Disctission, between J.
Taylor and C. W, Cleeve, y, .Pobertson and P. Cater. ^'
115 MARRIAGE.
" Joseph Smi/h*s Prophetic Calling,^' Mil, Star, Vol, 42,
pages 164, 187, igs, 227.
Epistle of D, W, Patten, Hist>ry of J. Smith, July ji,
i8j8,
O, Spencer s Letters to Rev, Wm, Crowe I, No, i.
MARRIAGE— A DIVINE INSTITUTIOxN,
AND DESIGNED TO BE ETERNAL.
Marriage is ordained of God unto man, that the
earth might answer the end of its creation, and '^ Be
filled with the measure of man, according to his crea-
tion before the world was made; " Doc, &^ Cov, 49,
15—17.
Outside of marriage the salvation ot man would
be incomplete: "Neither is the man without the
woman, neither the woman without the man, in the
Lord; " i Cor, 11. 11. All the works of God receive
the impress of eternity: " I know that, whatsoever
God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to
it, nor anything taken from it; " Eccl. 3. 14.
When the Creator joined Adam and Eve together,
as the progenitors of the human race, we do not learn
that he set any limit to the continuance of their mar-
riage relations. We have no reason to doubt that the
gift of Eve, to Adam, was designed to be as eternal
as himself.
Man, in his fulness, is a twofold organization —
male and female. Either being incapable of filling
the measure of their creation alone, it requires the
union of the two to complete man in the image of
God, for in Gen. i. 27, it expressly says, that he was
created male and female in the image of God. There-
MARRIAGE. 119
fore, without the proper union of the sexes, man
would be less than what God created him.
There is a comprehensive significance in, " The
Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be
alone;" Gen. 2. 18. It speaks of no particular period
of man's life, and has no limit in its application. The
entire narrative of the union of Adam and Eve, in
the second chapter of Genesis, intimates the designed
inseparable relationship between man and wife, in
marriage as ordained of God.
Adam said, '' This is now bone of my bones, and
flesh of my flesh;" 2. 23. He evidently well under-
stood this eternal relationship with Eve, when he
answered the Lord's question, *^ Hast thou eaten of
the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou
shouldest not eat?" and he replied, *' The woman
whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the
tree, and I did eat;" Gen. 3. 11, 12.
Here Adam tells the Lord, by way of apology,
that in order to keep his commandment, that he and
the woman should remain together, he was compelled
to partake of the forbidden fruit after her. 1 his is
evidently the view the apostle Paul took of the sub-
ject: ^^Adam was not deceived, but the woman being
deceived was in the transgression;" i Tim. 2. 14.
This inseparable connection between man and
wife, in marriage as ordained of God, is further ex-
emplified by the same apostle in Eph, 5. 22 — 33:
*'The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ
is the head of the church." That is, as Christ is
eternally the head of the church, so is the husband
eternally the head of the wife. ^'Husbands, love
your wives, even as Christ also loved the chijrch.
■•' * so ought men to love their wives as their
own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own fiesh. * ^•
Let every one of you in particular so love his wife
even as himself."
The principle of inseparable connection is fully
expressed in Adam's answer to the Lord as rendered
id the writings of Moses, translated by Joseph, the
Seer. *^The woman whom thou gavest me, and
I20 MARRIAGE.
commanded that she should remain with me, she
gave me of the fruit of the tree and I did eat;"
P. of G. P,,pageZ.
We further read, on page 13, ^4n the day that
God created man, (in the likeness of God made he
him,) in the image of his own body, male and female,
created he them, and blessed them, and called their
name Adam." Here we are informed that it re-
quired the male and female, united, to make one im-
age of his own body, and that male and female were
necessary to form one Adam, who was in the dual
image of God his father. We also find by referring
again to Gen, i. 27, that it required the male and
female to make an image of God.
The Lord has ever manifested a great interest in
the marriage relations of his chosen people and
Priesthood, and has protected the sexual relations by
stringent laws and regulations. The importance of
marrying in the same lineage, as themselves, appears
to have been well understood by the patriarchs. For
this reason, doubtless, Abraham married a near rela-
tion, and sent his servant, Eliezer, to his kindred to
obtain a wife for his son, and heir, Isaac; Gen, 20.
12. Chap, 24,
Isaac also commanded Jacob to go to Padan-
aram, and take one of his cousins to wife ; Gen. 28.
I — 6. Twice the Lord interfered, in a miraculous
manner, to prevent the wife of Abraham from being
defiled; Gen. 12. 17 — 20. C/iap. 20. 2,3. Evidently
for the reason that she was the foreordained cove-
nant wife of Abraham, and destined mother of the
Lord's chosen people. Israel was forbidden to marry
with the t^'anaanites; DeuL 7. 3.
The Lord gave special commandments regarding
the marriage of priests and their families. A priest's
daughter that profaned herself was to be burned with
fire; Lev. 21. g. The High Priest was required to
take a virgin of his own people to wife; verse 14.
The sons of Aaron were commanded not to take a
wife that was a whore, or profane, or a woman put
away from her husband; verse 7.
"If a man be found lying with a woman married
MARRIAGE. 121
to a husband, then they shall both of them die;"
Deut, 22. 22. If a man lay with a virgin, in the city,
that was betrothed to an husband, they weie both
stoned to death; verses 23, 24. If a man lay with a
virgin not betrothed, and thereby humbled her, he
was required to pay her father fifty shekels of silver,
and take her to wife, without the possibility of divorc-
ing her; verse 28, 29.
The eighteenth chapter of Leviticus is chiefly
occupied with forbidding the unlawful indulgence of
the passions. The Nephite prophet, Alma, told his
son that harlotry was ''most abominable above all
sins, save it be the shedding of innocent blood:''
Ahna 39, 5. Jesus told his Nephite disciples ''It is
better that ye should deny yourselves of these things,
wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye
should be' cast into hell;" 3 Nephi 12. 30.
In Doc. 6^ Cov.^ the passages are numerous in
which adultry is forbidden. The Lord has given much
instruction to the Latter-day Saints concerning the
intercourse of the sexes. They are required to keep
themselves strictly within their marriage covenants.
From the sacred writings, it would appear that in
all dispensations of the Priesthood, the laws regulat-
ing this matter have been substantially the same, and
have been calculated to strictly guard the issues of
life; that all those v/ho would keep them might be
^'perfect in their generations "
If, on the one hand, what the Lord does is eternal,
because he is an eternal and infinite being, then what
man does of himself, he being finite, must be limited to
this life. Therefore, it is necessary that man and
wife, to be eternally united, should be married in the
way God has appointed, and by a man whom he has
authorized to act in his stead.
It would not be consistent with the character of
God, as the spiritual and natural father of mankind
to have no law regulating the marriages of his child-
ren, that they might be crowned with the blessino-s
of eternal life and increase.
The Lord brought Abraham forth abroad, "And
said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars,
122 >;arriage.
if thou be able to number them: and he said unto
him, So shall thy seed be;" Gen, 15. 5. This was a
promise of infinite and eternal increase. If we
could count the stars, and grasp infinitude, we
might comprehend the result of the promise.
We find that the Lord confirmed blessings to
Abraham, and to his seed, by recorded ordinance
and covenant. For this reason it is not probable that
a blessing of such magnitude, as the sealing upon
man and wife the power of eternal increase, is an ex-
ception. Abraham, in his own record, translated by
Joseph the Seer, says, " I sought for the blessings
of the fathers, and the right whereunto 1 should be
ordained to administer the same.'* One of these
blessings was, *'To be a father of many nations, a
prince of peace;" P, of G, P. ^ page 26.
Abraham understood that this right could only be
bestowed by ordination, by one of the fathers who
had received it from the fathers in regular descent
from Adam. He states thai this right was conferred
upon him from the fathers, according to his desire.
1 hat this right included the authority to regulate the
marriage relations, in the future generations of his
children, is evident from the further statement, ** I
sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood
according to the appointment of God unto the
fathers concerning the seed." That is, he sought
for that especial authority in the Priesthood, through
which he had obtained the power of eternal increase.
The priest's ofiice was bestowed upon Aaron and
his posterity forever, by ordinance and covenant;
Exodus Zip. 15. Could this have been the case un-
less his posterity was made an eternal heritage
through the everlasting covenant of marriage? This
power of uniting husband and wife by an everlastino-
covenant of marriage, and by that ordinance giving
them an eternal right over their posterity, descended
from Abraham through the fathers, until Israel, by
transgression, forfeited the blessing.
From the sharpness with which the prophet
Nathan reproved David, and the statement that the
Lord had given him the wives of his master Saul;
MARRIAGE, 1 23
2 Sam. 12. I —12, it is probable that the prophet held
this authority.
The great sin of David, apart from the murder of
Uriah, was, that he had taken from another man that
which the Lord had given him, and stepped outside
of his own covenant limits.
Whether the prophet Malachi held the keys of
this power or not, he evidently saw in prophetic
vision, that it would be taken from the earth, and be
restored again, that the broken links of past genera-
tions might be welded together. For the Lord said,
through him, *' I will send you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers
to the children, and the heart of the children to
their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a
curse;" 4. 5, 6. Or as it is rendered in P, of G.
/*., page 50, "And he shall plant in the hearts of the
children, the promises made to the fathers, and the
hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers; if
it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly
wasted at his coming."
Evidently a very important part of these prom-
ises was, that the children would open up the way of
salvation to the fathers, through the ordinances of
the Gospel, and through them the broken links of
past generations would be connected.
Centuries of darkness passed away in which we
hear nothing of the order of the holy Priesthood, or
of any saving ordinances for the dead, when an ob-
scure man, Joseph Smith, Jun., appeared in the
United States of America, and claimed that to him
was committed the authority to open up the Dispen-
sation of the fulness of times, in which all the keys
and powers of the holy Priesthood should be restored
to the earth.
He professed to be a fulfiller of prophecy, and
numerous facts, which have become a part of history,
prove him to be what he professed. He asserts that
m the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, Elias appeared and
.committed the dispensation of the 'Hrospel of Abra-
K^m," " Saying, that in us, and our seed, all genera-
124 MARRIAGE.
lions after us should be blest." In this we see the
needed preparatory work for sealing, upon men
the power of eternal lives, through the everlasting
covenant of marriage, through which Abraham
sought ''To be a father of many nations."
Then at the same place appeared Elijah, and said,
''Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken
of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that he
(Elijah) should be sent before the great and dread-
ful day of the Lord come. To turn the hearts of
the fathers to the children, and the children to
the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with
a curse. •Therefore the keys of this dispensation
are committed into your hands;" Doc &^ Cov,
iio= II — 16. Thus we see that the way has been
opened for the complete reunion and salvation of all
the generations or men, through the keys of the
Holy Priesthood which have been bestowed upon
Joseph Smith, Jun. This is the designed glorious
culmination of the New and Everlasting Covenant
of Marriage — the eternal union of the generations of
the righteous in bonds never to be broken.
In Doc. &^ Cov, sec, 128. Joseph, the Seer, gives
instructions for restoring the past; in sec. 132, he
tells the world how future generations may come forth
in unbroken succession, each succeeding inteUigence,
the heritage of its fathers, worlds without end.
PLURALITY OF WIVES.
Plural marriage is a very ancient institution. Al-
though generally ignored by peoples professing mod-
ern Christianity, it is still customary among a large
portion of the family of man. Many customs of
modern Europe and America are modeled after those
of pagan Greece and Rome, instead of after the
primitive patriarchs, or after the examples recorded
in the history of ancient Israel.
MARRIAGE, 1 25
While these ancient nations were monogamists,
the limits of intercourse between the sexes, especially
on the part of men, were very indefinite. This phase of
society is quite characteristic of the modern natiors
of Europe and America. While the Christian sec s
of to-day profess some respect for the patriarchs of
Israel, they practically condemn their family rela-
tions as corrupt and immoral.
If plural marriage be unlawful, then is the whole
plan of salvation, through the house of Israel, a fail-
ure, and the entire fabric of Christianity without
foundation.
God said to Abraham, ''I am the Almighty God;
walk before me, and be thou perfect. And 1 will
make my covenant ]:!etween me and thee, and will
multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his
face: and God talked with him, saying, as for me, be-
hold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a
father of many nations;" Ge/t. 17. i — 4,
Here we are informed that God talked with Abia-
ham, told him to be perfect, bestowed upon him the
blessings of a numerous posterity, and, as a se-
quence, future power and glory. If polygamy was
contrary to his law, it is remarkable that God should
have condescended to talk with and greatly bless a
man who had, but a short time before, taken a second
wife, while the first was living; a fact of which we are
informed in the second and third verses of the previ-
ous chapter. If this was criminal, Sarai, the mother
of all Israel, was involved in the transgression, for
she gave Hagar to her husband for a wife; Gc7i. 16. 3.
The Lord told Joseph, the Seer, that he com-
manded, ''And Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to
wife ;^^ Doc. dr' Gov. 132. 34. This is also the testi-
mony of Josephus, the Jewish historian; A7it. B. i.
C. 10.
When Hagar was in distress, on account of diiifi-
culty with her mistress, the Lord did not treat her as
a profane, cast off v^^oman, but sent an angel to coun-
sel and comfort her, by assuring her that her posterity
should not be numbered for multitude; Gen, 16.
a— 10.
126 MARRIAGE.
The Lord further promised to bless Ishmael, the
fruit of this polygamic marriage, and said, *'I will
make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly;
twelve princes shall he beget and I will make him a
great nation;" 17. 20.
We find that this great and good man, Abraham,
whom the Lord especial:)' favored, had concubiues:
for ^'Unto the sons of the concubines, which Abra-
ham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away
from Lsaac his son 5.'*' 25. 6.
Jacob, the grandson and heir to all the blessings
of Abraham, was a polygamist. He served seven
years for Rachel the daughter of Laban, but being
deceived, and Leah given him instead, he served
other seven years for Rachel. Each of these wives
had a handmaid, which they gave to their husband
for wives; Gen. 29. 18 — 35. Chap, 30. 3 — 12.
Moses was conversant with the Lord, and was the
great lawgiver of Israel; in his laws especial provis-
ion was made for polygamous children; Deui. 11, \^
— 17. In them polygamy is not mentioned as one of
the crimes for which penalties were provided.
Elkanah was a polygamist, yet his son, Samuel,
was a great prophet, and judge in Israel. He was
born, and lived under the special favor of God.
David, king of Israel, was the chosen of the Lord;
I Sam, 16. 12, 13. He took Abigail and Ahinoam,
*'And they were also both of them his wives;" i Sam,
25. 42, 43. He '-Took him more concubines and
wives out of Jerusalem;" 2 Sam. 5. 13.
We are further informed, that *^ David did that
which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and turned
not aside from anything that he commanded him all
the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah
the Hittite;" i Kings 15. 5 ^ In this passage we have
an assurance that David did right in taking all his
wives and concubines, except in one instance, for
which he was severely chasdsed. When Nathan,
the prophet, reproved him for this sin, he said to him,
in the name of the Lord, " I gave thee thv master's
house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom;" 2
Sam* 12. S.
MARRIAGE. 1 27
After having repented and suffered for- his sin^
Bath-sheba was given him for a v^ife, and she baie
Solomon; verse 24. The Lord appeared to this son
of a plural wife in a dream, and bestowed upon him
great blessings; i Kings 3. God gave him "Wisdom
and understanding exceeding much;" i Kings /i^. 29.
He was not reproved for plural marriage but for
marrying strange wives, who led him into idolatry
and wickedness; i Kings 11. Many chief men in
Israel, to whom the Lord manifested his favor, were
polygamists.
The following is sometimes quoted as an argu-
ment against plural marriage: "For this cause shall a
man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his
wife; and they twain shall be one flesh;" Mark 10. 7,
8. But '' Know ye not that he which is joined to a har-
lot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh;"
I Cor, 6. 16, shows that it has no connection with the
subject.
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife;" i Tim. 3. 2, and let deacons be the
husbands of one wife; verse 12, are supposed by
some to limit ofticeis in the church, and by inference
all men, to one wife. But when the passages are
taken in% connection with the context, which is an
enumeration of several qualilicaiions necessary for
bishops and deacons, there is but one reasonable
construction — that these officers of the church
should be married men.
The Latter-day Saints believe that all men should
marry; Doc, &^ Cov. 49. 15 — 17. The Lord is "of
purer eyes than to behola evil, and can. not look upon
iniquity;" Hab. 1. J 3; and says, that "A bi.stard
shall not enter into the cojigregation of the Lord;
even to his tenth generation;" Deut. 23. 2. Yet the
patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel were the
sons of four wives of Jacob; Gen, 35. 22 — 26.
Joseph, the first son of Rachel, the second wife
of Jacob, recei\ed especial blessings; Gen» 49. 22 —
26. The Lord called to Samuel, the son of a
polygamous father; 1 Sa7n, ^.4— ,4. Solomon was
the son of a polygamist, yet he was a child of prom-
128 MAKKIAGE.
ise; I Chron. 22. 9, 10. Jesus Christ was descended
from David through Solomon the son of her who had
been the wife ot Uriah; Matt, i. i — 17.
The Lord said to Isaiah, ^' Lift up thy voice like a
trumpet, and show my people their transgressions,
and the house of Jacob their sins;" 58. i. This com-
mission was to be faithfully executed; Ezek. 3. 18.
Polygamy was common in the Jewish nation, yet
none of the prophets reproved them for it; but they
were sharply reproved for adultery, whoredom, forni-
cation, and other sins; Jer. 5. 7, 8, 23. Ezek. 22.
Chap, 23. 36 — 44.
History evidences that plurality of wives was gen-
erally customary among the nations of Asia, yet it is
not condemned in any of the epistles of the apostles,
nor does John the Revelator mention it in the letters
he was commanded to write to the seven churches of
Asia.
Paul mentions nearly every crime, in i Cor. 6. 9,
10, but, says nothing about plurality of wives. Every
species of commerce between the sexes, outside of
marriage, is often mentioned in the scriptures as
crime, but plural marriage is never, except on the
part of the woman, who is forbidden to marry another
man during the hfetime of her husband; Rotn, 7. 3.
Had plurality of wives been sinful in man, the in-
ference is reasonable that it would have been equally
condemned. Although plural marriage was custom-
ary in the days of the patriarchs, some assert that it
was done away in Christ. This would seem very in-
consistent when he himself was of a polygamous lin-
eage. He was born and filled his earthly mission
among a polygamous people, yet, he never reproved
them for their plural marriages. There is nothing in
the inspired writings to infer that he reproved or did
away with either polygamy or monogamy. The
following is from the Book of Mormon on this sub-
ject: The Lord, through dreams and visions and the
ministry of angels, directed a Jewish prophet by the
name of Lehi, to leave Jerusalem, 600 years B. C,
with his family and others, for the purpose of colon-
izing^ America.
MARRIAGE. 1 29
It was then a dark period in the history of Israel,
as is evident from the Bible history of the times, and
from the opening chapters of the Book of Mormon. •
The brilliant reign of Solomon had deeply planted
in Israel the sins of idolatry and sexual wickedness.
His reign was the pride of Israel, and its effects were
deep and lasting. It hastened the destruction of the
ten tribes^ as a people, some one hundred and
twenty years before the exodus of Lehi, and at that
time was about to culminate in the destruction of
Jerusalem and in the Babylonish captivity.
With all his wisdom, Solomon had disobeyed two
very important commandments, one especially to the
kings of Israel: ''Neither shall he multiply wives
to himself, that his heart turn not away;" Deut, 17.
17. The other was to all Israel, that they should not
marry into the idolatrous nations around them: "Nei-
ther shalt thou make marriages with them; thy
daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his
daughter shalt thou take unto thy son;" Deut, 7. 3.
Ezra, chapters 9. 10.
Through disobedience to these injunctions, his
heart had turned away from the Lord, and he had
been led into idolatry and wickedness. At his death
he not only left the influence of his personal exam-
ple, but, also, a numerous family who, from their
great wealth and high social position, must have ex-
ercised a powerful and lasting influence for evil,
which, with other causes, resulted, in less than three
hundred years, in the scattering of the ten tribes
among the nations of Asia, and the occupation of
their country by strangers, and in less than four
hundred years, in the destruction of Jerusalem, and
in the Babylonish captivity.
The sexual wickedness which had become preva-
lent in Israel, and the consequent abuse of the mar-
riage relations, was, evidently, the reason why the
Lord commanded that the children of Lehi should
have but one wife, for he said to the Nephites,
through his prophet Jacob, " This people begin to
wax hi iniquity; they understand not the scriptures;
for they seek to excuse themselves in committing
130 MARRIAGE.
whoredoms, because of the things which were writ-
ten concerning David, and Solomon his son ;" 2. 23.
That is, they excused themselves with the (i«:am-
ple of these kings for breaking the special command
of God to them, that they should have but one wife,
and like those eminent persons, ran into excess and
wickedness, as their fathers had done before them.
To neutralize the evil effects of the bad example of
their fathers was evidently the reason why the Lord
commanded the Nephites, *^ For there shall not any
man among you have save it be one wife; and concu-
bines he shall have none;" verse 27. Plural marriage
would have been whoredom to the Nepbites, be-
cause the Lord had forbidden it.
That the prophet Jacob foresaw, prophetically, that
at some future period this restriction would be taken
off is evident from verse 30, " For if I will, saith the
Lord of hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will com-
mand my people ; otherwise they shall hearken unto
these things.^' That is, they were required to limit
themselves to one wife, until the Lord should order it
otherwise, and by implication, when he instructed
them to take more than one wife, it would be justifi-
able
In the thirty-first verse the Lord gives a reason for
forbidding plural marriage among the Nephites,
** For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and
heard the mourning of the daughters of my people
in the land of Jerusalem; yea, and in all the lands
of my people, because of the wickedness and abomi-
nations of their husbands."
These teachings of the prophet Jacob cannot be
presumed, even by opposers of plural marriage, to do
away with the tenor of the Jewish Scriptures, for we
are informed in 2 A'ephi 3. 12, that the record of the
Jews and of the Nephites, should grow together unto
the confounding of false doctrine in the latter-days.
The prophet Jacob could not have intended to
condemn a principle on which is based the legitimacy
of our Savior, of prophets and patriarchs, and indeed
of the whole house of Lsrael. The v/ords ^'multiply,"
and '"greatly," in Deut. 17. 17, evidently imply
MARRIAGE.
^31
excess and unreasonable indulgence, as in the case
ot Dayjd and Uriah, and in taking strange women
as in the case of Solomon. '
^ The absurdity of the argument that these passages
imply that a man should have but one wife, is evident
trom the previous verse, that the kings of Israel
should '^not multiply horses to themselves." No one
would be so unreasonable as to suppose that the Lord
designed to limit the kings of Israel to one horse.
Ihe Lord gave Joseph Smith a very important
revelation on this subject. It is contained in Sec, i ^2,
Doc, &- Cov. It is entitled a '^Revelation on the
Lternity of the Marriage Covenant, Including
Plurality of Wives." ^
It commences by stating that the prophet Joseph
bmirh, Jun., inquired of the Lord, how it was that his
servants anciently were justified in havinp; many
wives and concubines. The Lord did not answer his
question at once, but tells him, in the third verse to
prepare his heart to receive and obey the instructions
he was about to give him.
In the fourth verse the Lord said to him, "I reveal
unto you a new and an everlasting covenant." We
tind the general principle involved in that covenant,
directly stated in the seventh, thirteenth and four-
teenth verses:
/'And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of
this lavy are these :~A11 covenants, contracts, bonds,
obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections,
associations, or expectations, that are not made, and
entered into and sealed, by the Holy Spiik of
promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for
time arid for all eternity, and that too most holv, by
revelation and commandment through the medium of
T^l^ ?-A^\^'^^^' ^^^"^ ^ ^^^^ appointed on the earth
to hold this power, (and I have appointed unto my
servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days,
and there is never but one on the earth at a time, on
whom this power and the keys of this Priesthood are
conlerred,) are of no efficacy, virtue or force, in and
atter the resurrection from the dead ; for all contracts
that are not made unto this end, have an end when
132 MARRIAGE.
men are dead. * * * * And everything
that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men,
by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of
name, v/hatsoever they may be, that are not by me,
or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down,
and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in
nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord 3^our CTod;
for whatsoever things remain, are by me; and what-
soever things are not by me, shall be shaken and des-
troyed." We find a direct application of this law to
the marriage relations in verses 15 and 19: *^If a
man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her
not by me, nor by my word; and he covenant with
her so long as he is in the world, and she with him,
their covenant and marriage are not of force when
they are dead, and when they are out of the world;
therefore, they are not boimd by any law when they
are out of the world. ♦ * *•• And again, verily I
say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which
is m}^ law, and by the new and everlasting covenant,
and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of
promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have
appointed this power, and the keys of this Priest-
hood; and it shall be said unto them, ye shall come
forth in the first resurrection ; and if it be after the
first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall
inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers,
dominions, all heights and depths — then shall it be
written in the Lamb's Book of Life, that he shall
commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood,
and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no mur-
der whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done
unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath
put upon them, in tim.e, and through all eternity, and
shall be of full force when they are out of the world ;
and they shall pass by the angels, and the Gods, which
are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all
things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which
glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the
seeds forever and ever."
The above quotations evidence, that only those
who comply with the law wfll continue in the marriage
MARRIAGE. 133
relations after death ; consequently only those who
comply with the law can expect a continuation of
posterity in the world to come, and the consequent
glory and power pertaining to that condition.
The law of the Lord is very plain on this subject.
Who can question his right to dictate the marriages
of his sons and daughters, that they and their gener-
tions may be fitted for his presence?
In verse 29, the Lord begins to answer the ques-
tion in the first verse: "Abraham received all things,
whatsoever he received, by revelation and command-
ment." '' God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave
Hagar to Abraham to wife;" verse 34. That is, God
commanded Abraham to receive Hagar and com-
manded his already covenant wife to give her hand-
maid to him. "And why did she do it? Because this
was the law." The reason why Abraham was not
under condemnation, is very forcibly expressed in
the latter part oi verse 2i^\ '^For I, the Lord, com-
manded it." In verses 36 — 39, the principle is well
elucidated, that, in nothing did the ancients sin ex-
cept in things which they received not of God.
In verse 40, the Lord says to Joseph, the Seer:
"I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appoint-
ment, and restore all things." And from the tenor
of the Revelation, "all things" must include plural-
ity of wives and the eternity of the marriage cove-
nant.
This subject may be readily summed up as follov/s :
If a man has a wife in the world to come, she will be
a gift from the Lord, through the covenants he has
ordained, and that man is justifiable in receiving all
the wives the Lord sees fit to give him, through the
authority he has appointed on tne earth.
Many elders of the Latter-day Saints have been
commanded, as was Abraham, to enter into plural
marriage, and disobedience becomes transgression.
Hence it involves a religious principle, and becomes
a matter of conscience. "Thou shalt love thy wife
with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none
else;" Doc. &^ Cov. 42. 22, is sometimes referred to
as an argument against plural marriage.
*34 MARRIAGE,
If it would admit of this construction, it would not
be valid as an argument, from the fact, that the reve-
lation of which it forms a part was given previous to
that on the plurality and eternity of the marriage re-
lations, and consequently, before the church was pre-
pared to receive such a revelation. It evidently ad-
mits of the construction, that a man may have more
than one wife, and yet cleave to none but his wife.
That is, it forbids" all sexual commerce outside of
the marriage covenant.
Gen. 16. 1, 2, 3 Saral gave Hagar to Abraham.
15 Hagar bare Abraham a son.
20. 17 the Lord healed the wife and maidservants of Abime-
lech.
86. 2 Esau took wives of the daughters of Canaan.
38. 8 Judah said to Onan, go in unto thy brother's wife.
Exo. 2. 21 Moses married Zipporah, daughter of the priest of
Midian.
21. 10 and if he take him another wife.
Num. 12. 1 Moses married an Ethiopian woman.
Judges 7. Gideon dehvered Israel from bondage through the
favor of God.
8. 30 Gideon had three score and ten sons and many wives.
9. 5 Jerubbaal had seventy sons.
10. 3, 4 Jair, a judge in Israel, had thirty sons.
12. 13, 14 Abdon, a judge in Israel, had forty sons.
2 Sam. 19. 5 and the lives of thy wives and the lives of thy
concubines.
1 Kings 8. 10, 11 the glory of the Lord filled the house.
9. 3 the Lord told Solomon that his prayer was answered.
20. 7 for he sent unto me for my wives.
1 Chron. 4. 5 Asluir, the father of Tekoa, had two wives.
7. 4 for tliey had many wives and sons.
8. 8 Shaharaim had two wives.
2 Chron. 11. 21 Rehoboam had eighteen wives and three score
concubines.
13. 21 Abijah married fourteen wives.
24. 3 Jehoiada, the priest of God, took two wives.
Psalm i.5. 9 king's daughters were among thy honorable
women.
Jsa. 4. 1 in that day seven women shall take hold of one man.
Hos. 1. 2 go take thee a wife of whoredoms.
See Sermon by 0. Pratt, 7- of D.,
Vol.
/, page 5j>.
" " Z?, Young,^ ••
««
/, " //2.
"a Hyde,
<•
2> " 75'
MARRIAGE.
135
See Sermo?i by B, Youn.
*• O. Pratt,
*' Geo. A, Smi
" O, Pratt,
** G. Q, Cannon,
/A
2,
3.
264.
349'
37-
183.
107,
Article, by P, P, Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 5, page i8().
History of Marriage among the Jews, Mil. Star, Vol, 13,
pages 263, 282, 2q6, 316, 324, 350, 363, jyy,
Mtlton on Polygamy, Mil. Star, Vol. 16, pai^es 321, 342.
Article, ''Marriage Ritual of the Church of Enp-land '*
by y. A, Little, Mil. Star, Vol. '18, page lyy.
Address by P. P. Pratt, before joint session of Utah Legis-
lature, Mil, Star, Vol, 18, page 337.
History of J. Smith, May 16, 1843,
A pamphlet entitled, ** On Marriage;' by John Taylor
CONCUBINES.
A concubine " In scripture signifies a wife of the
second rank, who was inferior to the matron, or
mistress of the house.
" The chief wives differed from the concubines in
that they were taken into covenant with their hus-
band by solemn stipulation, and with consent and
rejoicing of friends.
^* They brought with them dowries to their hus-
bands. They had the governm.ent of their families
under and v^-ith their husbands. The inheritance
belonged to the children brought forth by them.
'' Though the children of the concubines did not
mherit their father's estate, yet the father in his life
time provided for them, and made presents to them:
Thus Sarah was Abraham's wife of whom he had
Isaac, the heir of all his wealth. But he had be-
136 MARRIAGE.
sides two concubines, namely, Hagar ^;^^Keturah;
of these he had children^ whom he distinguished from
Isaac, and 7nade presents to them;" {see ConcubinSy
Cru, Co?icor,)
Although Hagar is considered a concubine in the
above quotation, yet, according to Cruden's definition,
she was a wife of the second degree. She is no-
where called a concubine in the scripture, but em-
phatically a wife.
" And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her maid,
the Egyptian, * * and gave her to her husband
Abram to be his wife;" Gen. 16. 3. That this con-
dition of wifehood did not change the former relations
of mistress and servant, between Sarai and Hagar,
is evident from verse 9. The angel said to Hagar,
" Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under
her hands."
That Keturah was Abraham's wife is evident
from the fact, that she is called his wife in Geit. 25.
I : and that she was also called his concubine, appears
from I Chron. i. 32. That concubine and wife were
synonymous terms, further appears from the declara-
tion of Nathan, the prophet, to David, ^' I will take
thy wives before thine eyes, and give ihe7n unto thy
neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight
of this sun;" 2 Sam, 12. 11. In the account of the
fulfilment of this prophecy, these wives are called
concubines. ^'And Absalom went in unto his father's
concubines in the sight of all Israel;" 16. 22.
The Nephites, whose ancestors colonized America
600 years before Christ, did not forget the custom of
their Jewish fathers; for when they broke the special
commandment of the Lord to them, by taking more
than one wife, they also added concubines; Mos. 11.
2—4.
This custom of taking wives and concubines jTflre-
vailed among the Jaiedites, whose ancestors emig-
rated to North America from the tower of Babel.
It appears to have been al^used by a wicked king,
called Riplakish, who reigned some 1500 vears before
Christ; FJhcr ro. 5. From both the Bible and Hook
of Mormon, it appears that the custom of taking a
MARRIAGE. 1 37
plurality of wives and concubines prevailed at a
very early period after the flood. It was, however,
of antediluvian origin: "And Lamech took unto him-
self two wives, Adah and Zillah ;" Gen. 4. 19. he
lived before the flood. It is evident from the '^ Rev-
elation on xh^ Eternity of the Marriage Covenant,"
that the Lord anciently gave concubines to good men,
as wives, and that only the custom of the country
discriminated between them and others: ^^Abraham
received concubines, and they bare him children, and
it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because
they were given unto him ;" i>^<9<;. &^ Gov, 132. 37.
" David's wives and concubines were given unto him,
of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and
others of the prophets who had the keys of this
power; and in none of these things did he sin
against me, save in the case of Uriah and his wife;"
verse 39.
We cannot presume that the Lord ever gave
women to these men under any title, except for the
noble purpose of parentage. Concubinage is unknown
among the Latter-day Saints. Wifehood, in the full-
est sense of the word, is conferred by the marriage
covenant. All a man's children are his legitimate
heirs, both by law and custom.
138 FOREORDINATION — ELECTION.
FOREORDINATION— ELECTION,
^^ Known unto God are all his works from the
beginning of the world;" Acts 15. 18.
The knowledge that we have of the beginning of
the world is principally derived from the history of
its creation in the Bible Genesis, and in the writings
of Moses and of Abraham, as given in F. of G, /^.,
pages 4—7, and 32—36.
Abraham says, " Now the Lord had shewn unto
me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized
before the world was; and among all these there
were many of the noble and great ones ; and God saw
these souls that they were good, and he stood in the
midst of them, and he said, These I will make my
rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits,
and he saw that they were good; and he said unto
me, Abraham, thou art one of them, thou wast chosen
before thou wast born;" /-'. oj G. A, page 32.
These writings m.ake it plain that man existed in
a spiritual condition prior to coming here, and also
quite as evident that in that pre-existence he exer«
cised his free agency. These facts throw much light
on the following passages: ^^ Him, being delivered
by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have cru-
cified and slain;" Acts 2. 23. "For whom he did
foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son;" Rom. 8. 29.
'' Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he
also called;" verse '^o. ^*God hath not cast away his
people which he foreknew;" 11. 2. " For the gifts
and calling of God are without repentance; verse 29.
The last passage explains the previous ones. God
may have called and chosen men in their first estate,
or spiritual existence, but whether they will accept
FOREORDINATION— ELECTION 1 30
that call and fill it, by repentance and good works in
this life, IS a matter in which it is their privilepe to
exercise their free agency.
This idea is illustrated in the case of the Roman
centurion, who had faith that his sick servant would
be healed if Jesus would only speak the word, jesus
said to those around him, ^' That many shall come
from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abra-
ham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of hea-
ven: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast
out into outer darkness;" Matt, 8. 11, 12.
The '' Children of the kingdom " evidentlv refers
to Israel, the called and chosen of God. The pass
ag-es are nunierous in which Israel is called the
-Chosen of God;" -The elect according to he
n^J'^fi""^- > ; ^^^%^^^^ ^^to me, O Jacob and Israel,
my called;" /i*^. 48. 12. '
Jesus, when he predicted the destruction of Jeru-
salem, and the scattering of the Jews, declared that
for the elect's sake those days should be shortened
ivii^tt, 24. 22, '
T^ vt'^A^u*^'!"^^ °-.°'y '"^^n according to the cove-
nant with Abraham for the remnant who were saved
m the flesh were of a wicked generation and thev
and their children became a \iss a°d'a by-wora
among all nations, consequently they could not have
been the elect through faith and good works
David said to the congregation. " Solomon mv
son, wliom alone God hath chosen;"' i Chrm 2a J
I*; V f k" f^^ •"°' ^""y P^°^e himself b; took
7s7a'el;r/^^;^'/::';'^;^!"^^-->- ->d cofru^t^d'
^<^X^ Book of Mormon is plain on this subject-
'Benig called and prepared from the foundation of
the world, according to the foreknowledge of God on
account of their exceeding faith and goSd woVks °n
'Al,n:%^l^l being left to choose |ood or evii!^^
«f tT''^''' ^f}'""^ ^""^ preparation from the foundation
of the world were evidently based on their faith and
good works, previous to their being called and nnt
on the possibilities of their future food conducf
140 FOREORDINATION— ELECTION.
This idea is verified by the apostle who, speaking
of Christ, says,, "And again, when he bringeth in the
first-begotten into the world, he saith. And let all
the angels of God worship him. -^ * *
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with
the oil of gladness above thy fellows;'^ Heb, i. 6, 9.
*' Who verily was foreordained before the foundation
of the world, but was manifest in these last times for
you;'' I Pet, i. 20. Christ was chosen before the
foundation of the world, because he had already
proven himself worthy.
Men exercised their free agency in the first or
spiritual estate, as well as in this. That the character
of their works in that estate shaped their destiny in
this is evident. The Lord said to Abraham, '' They
who keep their first estate, shall be added upon; anc.
they who keep not their first estate, shall not have
glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their
tirst estate;" F, of G, P., page 32.
There are some foreordained to condemnation:
" There are certain men crept in unawares, who
were before of old ordained to this condemnation;"
Jude 4.
^' The angels which kept not their first estate, but
left their own habitation, he hath reserved in ever-
lasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of
the great day;" Jude 6, That is, those angels who,
voluntarily, by their own acts, forfeited the glory pre-
pared for them.
The Lord revealed to Joseph, the Seer, that the
only ones who should not be redeemed in the due time
of the Lord are those who '^Having- denied the
Holy Spirit after having received it, and having
denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father — having
crucified him unto themselves, and put him to an
open sham.e." Doc, &^ Gov, y6, 31 — 43. We learn
from the Book of Mormon also "The way is pre-
pared for all men from the foundation of the world,
if so be that they repent and come unto him."
I Nephi 10. 18.
FOREORDIN ATION — ELECTION . 1 4 1
Exo. 33. 19 I will shew mercy on whom I will
I;^m 16 7 the man whom the Lord shall choose shall be holy.
neut. 7. 6 the Lord hath chosen thee to be a special people.
18. 5 the Lord hath chosen him out of all thy tribes 21 5
2 Sam. 6. 21 it was before the Lord which chose me be'fore thy
father. -^
16. 18 whom the Lord and the men of Israel chose
Neh. 9. 7 thou art the Lord who did'st choose Abram
Psalm 33. 12 the people whom he hath chosen for his own in-
Jientance.
89. 3 have made a covenant with my chosen ; sworn to David
»ny servant.
_ 105. 6 ye seed of Abraham his servant, ve children of Jacob
' iLS chosen. 26.
Isa. 14. 1 Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose
Israel.
41 8 Jacob whom I have chosen ; the seed of Abraham mv
friend. 9. "^
. nt^- ^ "^y servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul
aehghteth.
Matt. 12. 18 behold my servant whom I have chosen
20 16 and the first last, for many be called but few chosen.
Luke 18. 7 shall not God avenge his own elect?
John 15. 16 ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you 10
Acts 1. 24 shew whether of these two thou hast chosen
9. 15 for he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name
22. 14 the God of our fathers hath chosen thee
Rom. 9. 11—22 Jacob have I loved, and Esau have I hated. 23,
24, 26. '
11. 7 but the election hath obtained it
28 but as touchin.s: the election they are beloved
\P'^\'^-a'^\\^^.9^^ \^^'^ chosen the foolish things of the world.
Epa.l. 4—11. 18 predestination and adoption set forth
Col. o. 12 put on therefore as the elect of God
2Thess 2. 13, 14 because God, from the beginning, hath chosen
you to salvation. '
Titus 'i.l an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the failh of
God s elect.
Jam^.s 2. 5 hath not God chosen the poor of this world'*
1 Peter 1. 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God
Rev, 17. 14 those that are with him are called and chosen.
Book of ;iHormon.
, \ ^^Pjj-i- 1- 20 over all whom he has chosen because of their
jneir faith,
3. 29 know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him ?
7\r'*^J>o^^^'®'^^^^^^'^^^^^^^'^ ^^^ covenanted with them.
2 Nephi 9. 18 shall inherit the kingdom of God prepared for
1 42 FOREORDIN ATION — ELECTION .
Alma 13. 10, 11 were called after his holy order on account of
the ■ faith.
Moroni 7. 31 by declaring the word of God unto chosen ves-
sels. 48.
8. 12 little children are alive in Christ from the foundation of
the world.
22 they that are without law are alive in Christ.
®04:trine mis €^obtTtsnt5.
Sec. 10. 5^—62 other sheep I have which are not of this fold.
25. 3 Emma Smith an elect lady.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world. 7.
46 little children are redeemed from the foundation of the
world. 74. 7.
33. 6 so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the
earth.
52. 1 the elders whom the Lord hath chosen. 21.
&8. 1 concerning your calling and election.
84. 34 become the seed of Abraham and the elect of God. 99.
86. 9 — 11 for ye are lawful heirs according to the fles];i.
88. 4 this comforter is the promise of eternal life.
93. 88 every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning.
95. 5. 6 those not chosen have sinned. 8.
101. 3 they shall be mine in that day when I make up my
jewels.
f jearl ui (Knat ^litt.
Page 26. Abraham became a rightful heir.
27. ttie Lord took Abraham and put upon him his name.
39. if possible they shall deceive the very elect according to the
covenant.
40. shall gather the remainder of mine elect. When mine elect
shall see these things.
See Article by B, Young and W. Richards^ Mil. Star, Vol.
S8, page 14s.
History of y. Smithy yan,, /, /cS*^/.
Sermon by B, YounQ-^ y. of /)., Vol. 10, page i.
Article by J, Nicholson, Mil, Star, Vol. 27, Page yjg.
FULNESS OF TIMES. 14-
DISPENSATION OF THE FULNESS
OF TIMES.
A dispenj5ation "is power and authority to dispense
the word of God, and to administer in all the ordi-
nances thereof." What the dispensation of the ful-
ness of times IS, is well expressed by the apostle
Pan m Eih i. 9, "Having made known unto us the
whf.K'L°^ /k '^'"' =^c?ording to his good pleasure
which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dis-
pensation of the fulness of iimes he might e-ather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth, even in him."
It IS still more comprehensively expressed by the
Z&l ^f°?'P^- ^'^°^ ''^^ thing to be known is!
what the fulness of times means, or the extent and
authority thereof. It means this, that the dispensa-
tion of the fulness of times is made up of all the dis-
pensations that ever have been given since the world
began, until tnis time. Unto Adam first was -ivea a
dispensation. It is well known that God spake to
him with his own voice in the garden, and gave him
the^promise of the Messiah." ^
"And unto Noah also was a dispensation given-
^^ hVi^ 'i"'"''. '^^ '' ^^^ '■" t^e days of Noe, so
shall it be also in the days of the coming of the Son of
Man; and as the righteous were saved then, and the
wicked destroyed so will it be now. And from Noah
to Abraham and from Abraham to Moses, and from
Moses to Elias, and from Elias to John the Baptist
and from then to Jesus Christ, and from Jesus Christ
to Peter,_ James, and John, the Apostles all having
received in their dispensation by revelation from God,
hvt'iMrPl"i'' %^ ^'l^^ '•''^'''^^ °^ restitution, spoken
by all the ho y Prophets since the worid began; the
end of which ,s, the dispensation of the futness of
144 FULNESS OF TIMES.
times, in which all things shall be fulfilled that have
been spoken of since the earth was made. MiL ^tar^
vol. i6,page 220. The apostle Paul turther says on
this subject, *^For 1 would not, brethren, that ye
should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be
wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles
be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it
is written. There shall come out of Zion the
Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodhness Irom
Jacob;" Ro?n. 11. 25, 26.
These passages make it evident, in connection
with other passages, that the dispensation of the tul-
ness of times will commence when the fulness of the
Gentiles shall come in, for then will a Deliverer come
out of Zion who shall turn away ungodhness from
^^This dispensation of the fulness of times is a
period in which all things will be restored to their
nrbper order or condition.
The apostle Peter had a very comprehensive view
of this subject when he severely reproved the Jews
for killing the ^* Prince of Life," and said to them,
*' Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your
siDS mav be blotted out, when the times of refreshing
shall come from the presence ot the Lord.
This was evidently to take place when Israel
should be gathered and the Gospel restored, in its
' fulness: ^'And he shall send Jesus Christ, which be-
fore was preached unto you: whom the heavens^ must
receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy
prophets since the world began; Acts 2^. /.?Vi^^*
Peter gave them to understand that not until then
could those who killed the " Prince of Life expect
to be restored to the privileges of the Gospel which
was preached to them while in the flesh. ^
In this time of restitution everything in heaven
and in earth will find its appropriate place and condi-
tion, and good and evil will find their tulness of re-
ward. , . ^, . V
The Book of Mormon is very plain on this sub-
FULNESS OF TIMES. 14^
|ect: "The meaning of the word restoration, is to
bring back again evil for evii, or carnal for carnal, or
devilish for devilish; good for that which is good-
righteous for that which is righteous; just fo? that
which is just; merciful for that which is' merciful *
*>, .1 * .u?^^' ■'';'^*'y' J'^^Se righteously, and if ye do
all these things, then shall ye receive your reward-
yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again • ve
shall have justice restored to you again • ye shall
have a righteous judgment restored unto you again •
and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again • for
that which ye do send out shall return unto you again
and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more
fulljj condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at
all;' Alma ^i. 13 — 15.
This principle of restitution has also been further
revealed in this dispensation: "Unto the day when
the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man
according to his works, and measure to every man
according to the measure which he has measured to
his fellow man;" Doc. &- Cov. i. 10. The following
passage warns us that the time is near when the evil
and the good will each find their own place- "The
hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall
be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have
power over his own dominion; and also the Lord
shall have power over his Saints, and shall reign in
their midst;" 35, 2,6. '"'
_ All the intelligences, of whatever order, pertain-
ing to this earth, will be redeemed from death through
the resurrection, except the sons of perdition. tK
great burden of the ancient prophets was the restora-
l^'X^'f^l l^"F t^es, of the house of Israel to the
On tL heir inheritance, and to the favor of God
On the other hand, those who have oppressed and
^vn^rks '''"^ ""'' -fierthefullre'vrardof t£
This world in its present condition, is one of an-
tagonisms. When all things are restored fothe^r
proper place, these antagonisms will cease and t hi
tCJ^w-n"^, '^' ''-" ^''-' ,b\placed in posiUo'ns whe ^
they will harmonize with their surro-undings.
146 FULNESS OF TIMES.
The term, " Dispensation of the fulness of times,"
refers to the latter days, when the fulness of the Gos-
pel will be revealed, and the holy Priesthood be re-
stored to the earth. Under its direction the
work of restoration will commence and be fully con-
summated, through the great plan of redemption for
man and the earth, which was decided in the councils
of heaven before the foundations oH the earth were
laid.
Isa. 11. 6, 7 animals shall dwell together in peace.
9 the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God.
13. 13, 14 the earth will be moved out of its place.
32. 15 until the Spirit b« poured out upon us from on high •
16 then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness.
17, 18 and the work of righteousness shall be peace.
35. 1 the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad.
7 and the parched ground shall become a pool.
9 no lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast.
51. 6 the earth shall wax old like a garment.
60. 20 the Lord shall be their everlasting light. 21.
62. 4 thy land shall be married.
65. 17—25 a description of the millennial condition of the
earth.
Mic. 4, 4 they shall sit, every man under his own fig tree.
Hab. 2. 14 the earth will be filled with a knowledge of the
glorv of the Lord.
Zech. 14. 4 and the Mount of Olives shaU cleave in the midst
thereof.
Matt. 17. 11 Elias truly shall first come and restore all things.
Horn. 11. 25 until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
2 Petei' 3. 11, 12 all these things shall be dissolved.
JRev. 6. 13, 14 the stars of heaven will fall, and the heavens be
rolled together.
21. 1 and I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
Book o£ JHormott.
2 Nephi 30. 17, 18, works of darkness to be made manifest; that
which is sealed to be loosed ; all things which have been revealed
to be again revealed.
HeL 14. 31 good restored to good and evil to evil.
Mtittxint mts €^oI)tttaittj5.
Sec. 1. 22 that mine everlasting covenant might be established
88 aU Itia word of tbe Lord to be fulfilled.
FULNESS OF TIMES, I47
Sec. 2. Elijah, the prophet, to reveal the Priesthood.
3. 18—20 the records of the children of Lehi to be restored to
mem.
Sec. 13. John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood
14 10 the fulness of the Gospel to be brought forth from the
Gentiles to the house of Israel.
22. 1 everlasting covenant, even that which was from the be-
ginning, restored.
3 caused this church to be built up as in days of old
27. 5 the fulness of the everlasting Gospel— the Book of Mor
mon.
12 Peter, James and John ordained J. Smith, Jun., to hold the
keys ot the dispensation of the Gospel, for the last time
.1, ^il-"^ ^'^^ 1^91;^ pve J. Smith, Jun., the keys of the mysteries of
the things which have been sealed. j ^^ji
86 10 until the restoration of all things spoken by all the holv
propJiets. ^
??• ^.."^^i^^ kingdom is coming forth for the last time.
T.i; .^;^ K ^""^^^A P'^'^ ''?9- Elijah appeared in the Kirtland tem-
ple, and bestowed keys of former dispensations.
112 SO power of the Priesthood given, for the dispensation of
the I Illness of times.
121. 26—32 things to be revealed by the Holy Ghost that have
not been revealed-all things to be revealed
128. 8 in the last dispensation, all dispensations will be weld-
ed together. wcha
tion'o?'tt fu'l^T?^?^^^^ ^'"'^'^^ '^^ ^'^' '' *^^ ^i^P^---
See Sermon by P. P. Pratt, J. of D. Vol. j, pa^e T27,
" " ^. Snow, •« '• 7^, " 2GO.
History of J, Stnith, May 2, 1842.
Epistle by D. IV. Patten, History of J. Smith, July, 1838.
Latter-day Kingdom, a pamphlet by O. Pratt,
Article, Mil. ^tar. Vol. 2/, pages ij, jj.
O. Spencer^ s Letters to Rev. IVm. Croivel, Nos. 12 17
Voice of Warning, by P. P, Pratt, Chap. j.
Pearl of Great Price ^ pages 21 ^ 22,
148 - SriRlT OF GOD,
THE SPIRIT OF GOD, OR HOLY GHOST.
Whenever the Priesthood has been on the earth,
through it, and in various ways, the Lord has revealed
his will to man. By his voice: ''They heard the
voice of the Lord God walking in the garden;" Gen.
3. 8. The Lord talked with Abraham; chap. 18.
And with Moses; Exo. 3. He called to young
Samuel; i Sam. 3.
Passages are numerous in the inspired writings
in which it says '''The Lord hath spoken ;" "The Lord
spake;'' "Thus saith the Lord;" etc. He has often
revealed his will through the ministrations of angels,
by visions and dreams, by signs and tokens; but the
more general way has been through the agency of
his Spirit, or the Holy Ghost.
The Prophet Joseph Smith has informed us that
"The Holy Ghost has not a body or flesh and bones,
but is a personage of Spirit." Doc. ^ Coiu 130,
22, 23.
Its office is to enlighten the understanding and
give knowledge and wisdom; Exo. 31. i — 11. i
Chron. 28. 12. " But the Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the P^ather will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and brin'g all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you;" John 14. 26.
It is the Spirit of prophecy, and reveals future
events, "For the prophecy came not in old time by
the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost;" 2 Pet. i. 21.
It is a witness and testifies to man, of God and his
attributes. " Even so the things of God knoweth no
man, but the Spirit of God:" i Cor. 2. 11. ^' We
are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the
Holy Ghost;" Acts k^. 32. Chap. 20. 23. *'Noman
SPIRIT OF GOD. 149
can sa}' that Jesus is the Lore], but by the Holy
Ghost;" I Cor. 12. 3. It gives the knowledge that
is essential to salvation. ''When he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.'
John 16. 13.
Nephite prophets declared, that, after Christ
should be slain, '^ He should rise from the dead, and
should make himself manifest, by the Holy Ghost,
unto the Gentiles;" i NepJii 10. IK 3 y\ ^//// 15. 23.
*' The mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them,
by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these
times as in times of old, and as well in times of old
as in times to come;" i Nephi 10. 19.
The Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and
of the Son; -^^ Nephi 11. 32. The Holy Ghost and
Spirit of God are synonymous. The gifts of the
Spirit mentioned in i Cor. chap, 12, are often men-
tioned in the inspired writings as gifts ol the Holy
Ghost.
The Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth are also syn-
onymous with the Holy Ghost. *^But the Comforter
which is the Holy Ghost;" John 14. 26. '*But wh^n
the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you
from the Father, eve?i the Spirit of Truth;"
John 15. 26.
The Holy Ghost is the moving power in the sal-
vation of the human family, for faith is one of its
gifts; I Cor. 12. 9. And all intelligences work by
laith. Doc, &^ Cov,^ Lee. 07i Faith \ i. 11.
The Spirit of God is not only the medium by
which knowledge is communicated to man, but it is
the power by wliich all organizations are developed,
and by which they exist and move. It is the agent
of God's power by which, through faith, the elements
are controlled. **And the Spirit of God moved upon
the face of the waters;" Geii. i. 2. ^'By his Spirit
he hath garnished the heavens;" Job 26. 13. "The
Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the
Almighty hath given me life;" -^^^ 4. ^' If he gathe;
unto himself his Spirit and his breath; all flesh shall
perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust;"
34. 14, 15. "Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they a^e
150 SPIRIT OF GOD.
created;'' Psalm 104. 30. " For by the power of my
Spirit created I them ; yea, all things both spiritual
and temporal;" Doc. &^ Cov., 29. 31. '' The power of
my Spirit quickeneth all things;" 33. 16.
By it the Lord works his will among the nations:
"I have called upon the weak things of the world,
those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the
nations by the power of my Spirit;" 35. 13. *'The
elements are the tabernacle of God;" 93. 35.
Through the power of the Spirit which pervades
them, they are organized and disorganized in accord-
ance with the laws by which they are governed.
Spirit and element must be inseparably connected,
through the resurrection, in order to attain the great-
est perfection; verses t,-^^ 34.
Man, ignorant of God and his attributes, in-
creases in knowledge by experience and observation,
explores the fields of nature, watches and experi-
ments with the elements, acquires, to him, new and
grand truths, makes discoveries in science which
measurably revolutionize the conditions of human
life, and thinks, in his ignorance of the spiritual ele-
ments, that he accomplishes these important results
by his own unaided wisdom, when they are the
effects of the workings of that universal spirit of in-
telligence which emanates from the Father of light,
without which man would be like the blind, who
wander about at noonday, unconscious of the light that
shines around them.
*" Man observes a universal energy in nature.
Organization and disorganization succeed each
other. The thunders roll through the heavens ; the
earth trembles and becomes broken by earthquakes;
fires consume cities and forests; the waters accumu-
late, flow over their usual bounds and cause destruc-
tion of life and property; the worlds perform their
revolutions in space with a velocity and power in-
comprehensible to man, and he, covtjred with a veil
of darkness, calls this universal energy, God, when it
is the workings of his Spirit, the obedient agent of
his power, the wonder-working and life-giving princi-
ple in all nature.
SPIRIT OF GOD. 151
Gen. 6. 3 my Spirit shall not always strive with man.
on th ^^ 17 I will take of the Spirit that is on thee, and put it
26 The Spirit rested on Eldad and Medad, and they prophesied
24. 2 and the Spirit of the Lord rested on Balaam.
1 Sa7n. 10. 10 the Spirit of God came on Saul and he prophe-
2 Kings 2. 9 let a double portion of thy spirit be on me
15 the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. 16.
Neh 9 20 thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them.
TK^^ many years testified against Israel by his Spirit
Job 62. 8 there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the
Almighty giveth them understanding.
:Prov. 1, 23 behold I will pour out my Spirit on you.
Isa. 29. 10 the Lord hath poured upon you the Spirit of deep
42 1 I have put my Spirit on him, he shall bring forth judg-
44.^3 will pour my Spirit on thy seed, my blessing on thine off-
48^ 16 the Lord God and his Spirit hath sent me.
61. 1 the Spirit of the Lord God is on me. Luke 4. 18.
^.1, n ?"'• ^^' '^'^ brought me in a vision, by the Spirit of God, into
Chaldea,
Ban. 4. 8 in whom is the Spirit of the holy Gods.
Joel 2. 29 upon the servants and handmaids, in those cays, will
I pour out my Spirit. Acts 2. 17, 18.
Matt. y. 16 he saw the Spirit of God descending on him like a
i-} £^^}}K^^^ ^P ^'^ t^e Spirit into the wilderness. Luke 4. 1.
12. 28 if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God?
Luke 1. 17 he shall go before him in the spirit and power of
iiiiias.
2. ^5—27 Simeon came by the Spirit into the temple.
4. 14 Jesus returned in power of the Spirit into Galilee.
11. 13 your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that
ask him.
JoJm 3. 34 God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
b. 63 It IS the Spirit that quickeneth.
16. 13 the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all
LruLn.
Acts 2. 4 began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance. © ' ^ & v ^
8. 29 the Spirit said to Philip, go near and join thyself to this
chariot.
39 the Spirit caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no
ore,
10. 19 the Spirit said to Peter, three men seek thee.
liom. 8 10 but the Spirit is life, because of righteousness.
: J v^"i^. ^P^^^^ which raised up Jesus shall also quicken your
mortal bodies. "^
26 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us.
1 Car. 2. 4 in demonstration of the Spirit and power.
more.
152 SPIRIT OF GOD.
10 the Spirit of God searcheth all things.
15. 45 the first Adam was a living soul, the last Adam a quick-
ening spirit.
2 Cor. 8. 6 the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.
17 where the Spirit of God is there is liberty.
18 changed from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the
liord.
Oal 5. 16 walk in the Spirit ; ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the
flesh.
Eph, 2. 2 the Spirit that now worketh in the children of diso-
bedience.
6. 17 take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18.
1 2'hess. 5. 19, 20 quench not the Spirit, despise not prophesy-
togs.
2 Thess. 2. 8 the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his
mouth.
1 Tim. 3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.
Jtiev. 1. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day.
2. 7 hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. 11. 17, 29.
11. 11 after three days, the Spirit of life, from God, entered into
tkem.
14. 13 blessed are the dead that die in the Lord ; yea, saith the
Spirit.
17. 3 so he carried me away in the Spirit, into the wilderness.
19. 10 for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 1. 12 as he read he was filled with the Spirit.
4. 6 was led by the Spirit, not knowing the things I should do.
18 I obeyed the voice of the Spirit, and smote off the head of
Laban.
11. 1 caught away in the Spirit, into an exceeding high moun-
tain.
6 when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried with a loud
voice.
8 the Spirit said to me, look ; I looked and beheld a tree.
11 I knew it was the Spirit of the Lord, and he spake unto me
as a man speaketh with another.
19 1 beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit.
13. 12 the Spirit of God wrought on the man, and he went forth
on the waters.
15 the Spirit of the Lord was on the Gentiles, that they pros-
pered.
14. 30 an end of speaking what I saw, when carried away in
the Spirit.
17. 52 lest they wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit.
19. 12 kings of the isles shall be wrought upon by the Spirit.
20 I have workings in the Spirit, for those at Jerusalem.
2 Nephi 2. 4 for the Spirit is the same yesterday, to-day and for-
ever.
8 who layeth down his life and taketh it, by the power of the
Spirit.
3. 5 Messiah to be manifest in the latter days, in the Spirit of
power.
SPIRIT OF GOD. 153
4. 25 on the wings of his Spirit hath my body been rarried
26. 11 the Spirit of God will not always strive with man
t • '^. \ ^^^^^l<^t say more, the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance
Jacob 4. 13 for the Spirit speaketli tlie truth, and lieth not.
J^nos 1. 10 while struggling in the Spirit, the voice of the Lord
came.
th ^"^^"l* ^ *^^* ^® ^^ withdraw yourselves from the Spirit oJ
3. 19 but if he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit
come'' ^^^°^ ^^^ ^P^^^^^ ^^^^ S^^^^ vi^ws of that which is to
him^'* ^ ^^^^^* ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ hands on him, for the Spirit was on
\^f ^^ o^l^i^^ ^^^ strong in Spirit, having the knowledge of God
Alma 6 2b reap happiness or misery according to the spirit
they listed to obey. ^
ance ^^ ^^^"^^^^^^ ^^ ^^e Spirit, bring forth works meet for repent-
7. 13 the Spirit knoweth all tilings.
16 have eternal life according to the testimony of the Spirit
phec ^ ^^^ according^o the Spirit of revelation and pro-
Spirit ^ *^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ thoughts are made known by the
hea^te^ would reject the Spirit, on account of the hardness of their
16. 16 the Lord poured his Spirit on the face of the land
the Spirit ^^^ themselves to fasting and prayer, therefore they had
tlie^dn- *^^"^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ *^® ^^^^^^' perceived the thoughts of
io V^^^^ queen sank down, being overpowered by the Spirit
22. 1 he was led by the Spirit to the land of Nephi ^
23. 6 according to the Spirit of revelation and prophecy
t- f^ thol ^^?/^P/^it of truth, that thy soul may be destroyed,
pov^er^ver lou.' ^^' withdrawn, and the devil has
40. 13 the wicked have no part of the Spirit of the Lord
Spirit of God^ ^^^^^ ^^ conduct the war, according to the
withh're ^^ **^^ ^^^^^* entered their hearts, and they were filled as
phi^tes^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^"^ ^^^^^^ ^^ withdraw from ihe Ne-
10. 16 Nephi taken by the Spirit and conveyed away
them* ^^ ^ ^^ ^"^^"^^^ ^ ^'^^ withdraw my Spirit from
of prophecy ^^ ^^ ^PP^int captains of those who had the Spirit
]■ ^i .sjJ^^nified they had been visited by the Spirit of God
90 o 'Vu^?^?,^^^^^>''5J5™e^^er me, ye shall have my Spirit. 11.
filled- withll^e ^!rir^^^^"^^ "^"^ '^'''' "^^ drank, Vey were
werf w^ak.^* ^^ ^^^ ^^'""'^ ''^ ^""^^ ^'^ ''^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^«' ^^^^ vve
154 SPIRIT OF GOD.
3. 16 manifestations of the Spirit winch had testified of things
to come.
Ether 2, 15 remember that my Spirit will not always strive with
man.
Moroni &. 9 conduct meetings after the manner of the workings
of the Spirit.
Lecture on Faith 2. 24, 25 when the plan of redemption was re-
vealed men began to call on God, and the Holy Spiric was given,
bearing record of the Father and the Son.
5. 2 possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is
the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son.
3 partaking of the fulness ot the Father and Son, through the
Spirit.
Sec. 1. 33 my Spirit shall not always strive with man.
8. 3 this is the Spirit of revelation, by which Moses brought
Israel through the sea.
18. 47 I am Jesus Christ, by the power of my Spirit I have
spoken it.
19. 23 walk in the meekness of my Spirit.
27. 18 the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you.
29. 30 first shall be last, last first, in all things created, by the
power of my Spirit.
31 by the power of my Spirit all things, both temporal and
spiritual, were created.
33. 16 the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.
35. 13 I have called on the weak things of the world, to thresh
the nations by tlie power of my Spirit. 133. 59.
42. 13—17 all teachings to be by the Spirit.
45. 17 who have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, shall
abide the day.
50. 10 come saith the Lord, by the Spirit, let us reason together.
17—21 to impart the truth, it must be preached in the Spirit of
truth.
27 the light the Spirit sent, through Jesus Christ, by the "Will
of the Father
61. 27 to whom is given power to command the waters, is given
the Spirit to know all his ways. 28.
63. 32 angry with the wicked, holding my Spirit from the in-
habitants of the earth.
64. 16 they sought evil in their hearts, and I withheld my
Spirit.
67. 11 no man has seen God in the flesh, except quickened by
the Spirit.
71. 1 expounding mysteries of the scriptures, according to the
Spirit and power given.
72. 24 they that are appointed by the Spirit, to go up to Zion.
76. 11 J. Smith, Jun., and S. Rigdon, being in the Spirit.
12, 13 by the i)ower of the Spirit our eyes were opened to see
those things ordained ot the Father before tlie world was. 18.
28 while yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us to write th©
vision. 80, 113.
SPIRIT OF GOD. 153
83 these are they who deny not the Spirit.
86 receive not of his fulness, but of the Holy Spirit.
118 through manifestations of the Spirit in the flesh, be able td
bear his presence.
84. 45—47 whatsoever is ligh; is Spirit. The Spirit enlighten
eth every man.
93. 9—11 the Spirit of truth who came into the world. 23.
26 the Spirit of truth is of God; I am the Spirit of truth.
95. 4 bring to pass my strange act ; pour out my Spirit on al]
flesh.
97. 1 I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of m^j
Spirit.
105. 36 the voice of the Spirit shall manifest those chosen.
121. 37 when compulsion is used, the Spirit is grieved.
131. 5 more sure word of prophecy, means a man's knowing he
is sealed up to eternal life, by the Spirit of prophecy.
136. o3 the Spirit sent forth into the world, to enlighten the
humble.
THE HOLY GHOST.
Luke 1. 15 John shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
67 and his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Ghost.
2. 26 it was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Ghost.
4. 1 Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan.
12. 12 Holy Ghost shall teach you, in the same hour, what ye
shall say.
John 14. 26 the Holy Ghost shall teach you all things.
20. 22 he breathed on them, and said, receive ye the Holy
Ghost.
Acts 1. 8 ye shaU receive power, after the Holy Ghost shall
come upon you.
5. 3 why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?
6. 3 look ye out seven men, full of the Holy Ghost.
8. 15 prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
10. 44 the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.
13. 9 Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. 52.
15. 28 for it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us.
16. 6 were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia.
21. 11 thus saith the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews at Jeru-
salem.
1 C<yt'. 2. 13 not of men's wisdom, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth.
6. 19 your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
2 Cor. 13. 14 the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you.
Hd). 3. 7 the Holy Ghost saith, to-day if ye will hear his voice.
2 Peter 1. 21 holy men of God spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost.
156 SPIRIT OF GOD.
Book of ;{Hormon.
1 Nephi 10. 11 Christ should make himself manifest, by the
Holy Ghost to the Gentiles,
19 I he mysteries of God unfolded by the power of the Holy
Ghost.
12. 7 bare record that the Holy Ghost fell on twelve others.
18 the Messiah, of whom the Holy Ghost bear record from the
bcsinning.
2 Nephi 26. 13 Christ manifesteth himself, by the power of the
Holy Ghost. .
3L. 12 to him that is baptized will the Father give the Holy
Ghost.
13 by baptism ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.
17 then cometh a remission of sins, by tire and the Holy Gho^t.
32. 2 had received the Holy Ghost, ye could speak with the
tongue of angels.
Jacob 6. 8 deny the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the
Spirit.
7. 17 Sherem confessed the Christ, and power of the Holv
Ghost.
Alma 13. 12 after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, being pure
and spotless.
36. 21 they might be born of God, and filled with the Holy
Ghost.
3 Nephi 9. 20 whoso comes to me with a contrite spirit, will I
baptize with the Holy Ghosi.
11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and the Son.
35, 36.
15. 23 Christ not manilest to the Gentiles, except by the Holy
Ghost.
16. 4 my people, at Jerusalem, receive a knowledge of you by
the Holy Ghost.
20. 27 pouring out the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gen-
tiles, makes them mighty to the scattering of my people.
28. 11 the Father giveth the Holy Ghost to nien because of me.
4:Nephil. 48 being constrained by the Holy Gliost, Amraaron
hid up the sacred records.
Mormon 7. 7 sing praises to Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Ether 5. 4 Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth Vecord . Chan.
12. 41.
12. 23 made this people that they could speak much, because of
the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 8. 26 of meekness cometh visitation of the Holy Gliost,
which fiUeth with hope.
Mottxint anitr ^ohtnKnts.
Sec. 8. 2 will tell you in your heart and mind, by the Holy
Ghost.
18. 18 ask and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, which mani-
festeth all things. "
2l). 26—28 who believed in all the holy prophets, who spake as
they were inspired by the Holy Ghost.
NAME OF CHRIST'S CHURCH. 1 57
S5 neither adding to nor diminishing from that which has
come, or shall come, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
60 ordination is by the power of the Holy Ghost.
134. 10 prophecy, and it shall be given by the Holy Ghost.
39. 6 the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which showeth all things.
68. 4 what they shall speak, when moved by the Holy Ghost,
shall be scripture.
100. 8 the Holy Ghost shall bear record of what you say.
107. 56 Adam, full of the Holy Ghost, predicted what should
befall his posterity.
109. 15 that they may receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.
121. 26 God shall give the Saints knowledge by the Holy Ghost,
43 reproving with sharpness, when moved by the Holy Ghost.
124. 5 given you by the Holy Ghost, to know concerning kings
and authorities.
f jearl o£ (Kr^at f rue.
Page 9. in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam.
10. the Lord God called upon men, by the Holy Ghost, every-
where.
12. the Gospel declared by the gift of the Holy Ghost.
13. it was given to write by the Spirit of inspiration.
15 my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify.
19. Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up into
Zion.
History of y. Smithy June v^, 1842.
NAME OF CHRIST'S CHURCH.
The name, Saint, '^ Signifies a holy or godly per-
son, one that is so by profession, covenant, and con-
versation;" Cru. Con.
In the Old Testament it means one who worked
righteousness, and one in whom the Lord delighted,
for that reason. ''But to the Saints that are in the
earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my de-
light;*' Psalm 16. 3. " Gather my Saints together
158 NAME OF Christ's church.
unto me; those that have made a covenant with me
by sacrifice;" Psabn 50. 5.
While the meaning of the term Saints is not
changed in the New Testment, it is used in the
epistles of the apostles as a general name of the fol-
lowers of Jesus Christ; ''To the Saints which are at
Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus;" Eph,
I.I. They are those who have submitted themselves
to Jesus Christ, and have become his subjects. '' Just
and true are thy ways, thou king of Saints;" Rev.
15- 3-
Jesus said, ^' I am come in my Father's name, and
ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own
name, him ye will receive;" Joh?i 5. 43. This saying
of our Savior's is as applicable to the Christian world
to-day, as it was to the people to whom he spake.
The Latter-day Saints have come in the name of
Jesus Christ, and preached the Gospel of repentance
as he preached it, and do all things in his name, and,
yet, the most of the world reject them.
Some Christian sects have derived their names
from their founders, as Calvanists, Lutherans, Wes-
leyans. Others have some appellation growing out
of a peculiarity of doctrine, or faith, as Baptists,
Methodists and Presbyterians. Others again derive
their name from historical events connected with
their origin, and geographical location, as Roman
Catholic Church, Greek Church, Church of England,
etc. Not a church in all the world bearing the name
of Jesus Christ, except that of the Latter-day Saints,
Sectarians may ask, are we not called Christians?
But the name of our Savior was Jesus Christ, not
Christian. The early Christians first received that
name at the city of Antioch ; Acts 1 1 . 26.
We find that the apostles, in their epistles, ad-
dressed the members of ^he various churches, a?
Saints, ** Beloved of God, called to be Saints;" Rom.
I. 7. '*To the Saints and faithful brethren in
Christ;" Col. i. 2. We further find that the apostles
do not speak of themselves as followers of men; but
Paul calls himself, "An apostle of Jesus Christ by
^he will of God;" Col. i. i. 1 Tim. i. i. "Paul,
NAME OF CHRIST'S CHURCH. 1 59
a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect;" Titus i. i.
Not according to the doctrines of Luther, Calvin or
Wesley.
The most definite instructions on this subject are
found in the Book of Mormon. When the Nephite
disciples of Jesus were, at a certain time, united in
mighty prayer and fasting, he came and stood in the
midst of them, and asked them, '' What will ye that
I shall give unto you?" ^'And they said unto him,
Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name
whereby we shall call this church ; for there are dis-
putations among the people concerning this matter.
"And the Lord said unto them, Verily, verily I say
unto you, why is it that the people should murmur
and dispute because of this thing? Have they not
read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you
the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this
name shall ye be called at the last day; and whoso
taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end,
the same shall be saved at the last day; therefore
whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name;
therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and
ye shall call upon the Father in my name, that he will
bless the church for my sake; and how be it my
church, save it be called in my name? For if a church
be called in Moses' name, then it be Moses' church;
or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the
church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then
it is my church, if so be that they are built upon my
Gospel;" 3 Nepki^j, 2 — 8.
In accordance with the spirit of the Old and New
Testaments, and with these instructions of Jesus
Christ, when the church was organized on Gospel prin-
ciples, by Joseph Smith, Jun.,in 1830, it was named,
^^ The Church of Jesus Christ." The Lord after-
wards revealed to his Prophet, Joseph Smith, that it
should be called, *^The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints;" Doc, <Sr* Cov, 115. 3, 4,
1 50 TITHING.
Psalm 16 o. but the Saints that are in the earth.
Book Jo£ JHormort.
Mos. 5. 7--12 the disciples of Christ exhorted to take upon them
his name.
TITHING.
The history of ancient Israel, as oriven in the Old
Testament, evidences that the law of tithing was in
force from Abraham until their destruction as a na-
tion. That it was a perpetual law of the Priesthood,
and did not pertain, exclusively, to the Mosaic dis-
pensation, is apparent, from the fact that Abram paid
tithes to Melchisedek; Gen. 14. 20, and that Jacob
covenanted to give a tenth to the Lord; 28. 22. They
lived before Moses.
In the present dispensation the law of tithing
was revived, and the keeping of that law is one of the
first duties of the Latter-day Saints. About eighteen
months after the organization of the church, Septem-
ber II, 1831, the Lord, through Joseph the Seer,
made this important declaration. Speaking after the
manner of the Lord, he called *'to-day," from the giv-
ing of the revelation until the coming of the Son of
Man, and said, ^' Verily I say unto you, it is a day of
sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for
he that is tithed shall not be burned. For after to-
day cometh the burning." That is, at the coming of
the Son of Man; "For verily I say, to-morrow" —
that is, at my coming — ^^all the proud and they that
TITHING. 1 61
do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn
them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts;" Doc. &^ Cov.
64. 23, 24.
In this declaration we are assured that all who
call themselves the Lord's people, and do not pay
their tithing, will find their portion among the wicked
at his coming, and will share their fate. In sec, 85. 3,
the Lord reiterates the fact, that it is necessary his
people should be tithed, *' To prepare them against
the day of vengeance and burning."
The names of those who do not keep this law of
tithing shall not be enrolled with the people of God:
** Neither is their genealogy to be kept, or to be had
where it may be found on any of the records or his-
tory of the church; Their names shall not be found,
neither the names of the fathers, nor the names of the
children written in the book of the law of God, saith
the Lord of Hosts;" 85. 4, 5. This revelation was
also given soon after the organization of the Church;
Nov. 27, 1832.
Like every principle connected with the latter-day
work, tithing must needs commence with the leaders
of the Dispensation. The following very interesting-
account of the first covenant and promise concerning
this principle will be found in the History of Joseph
Smith, under date of Nov. 29, 1834.
The occasion was one of rejoicing for the bless-
ings received of the Lord. The narrative says:
"After commencing and rejoicing before the Lord on
this occasion, we agreed to enter into the following
covenant with the Lord, viz. : — That if the Lord will
prosper us in our business, and open the way before
us, that we may obtain means to pay our debts, that
we be not troubled nor brought into disrepute before
the world, nor His people; after that, of all that He
shall give us, v/e v/ill give a tenth, to be bestowed
upon the poor in His Church, or as He shall com-
mand; and that we will be faithful over that which He
has entrusted to our care, that we may obtain much;
and that our children after us, shall remember to ob-
serve this sacred and holy covenant; and that our
children, and our children's children, may know of
11
1 62 TITHING.
the same, we have subscribed our names with our
own hands.
"Joseph Smith, Jun.,
"Oliver Cowdery."
After the above covenant the following is recorded:
"And now, O Father, as thou didst prosper our
father Jacob, and bless him with protection and pros-
perity wherever he went, from the time he made a
like covenant before and with thee; as thou didst,
even the same night, open the heavens unto him, and
manifest great mercy and power, and give him prom-
ises, so wilt thou do with us his sons; and as his
blessings prevailed above his progenitors unto the
utmost bounds of the everlasting hills, even so may
our blessings prevail like his.''
Notwithstanding this principle began to be taught
soon after the organization of the Church, it required
some time to reach practical development, for no
definite law concerning it was revealed, until July
8, 18^8.
The custom of paying labor tithing, appears to
have been commenced when building the Nauvoo
Temple. Of a meeting of some of the leading
authorities of the Church, in Lima, Illinois, the fol-
lowing is recorded, in His. of Joseph Smith, under date
of October 23, 1841 : " It was moved and seconded,
That all those who are willing to consecrate one-
tenth of their time and property to the building of
the Temple at Nauvoo, under the superintendence of
President Morley and Counselors, to signify it by
uplifted hands ; when the motion was carried unani-
mously."
The following is a ''^Revelation given through
Joseph^ the Prophet^ at Far West^ Missouri^ July 2>ih^
1838, in answer to the question^ O Lord^ show unto
thy servants how much thou requirest of the proper-
ties of the people for a tithing?
"Verilyj thus saith the Lord, I require all their
surplus property to be put into the hands of the
bishop of my church of Zion, for the building of mine
house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion
TITHING. 103
and for the Priesthood, and for the debts of the
Presidency of my church.
''And this shall be the beginning of the tithin^ of
my people; and after that, those who have thus iDeen
titned, shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annu-
ally; and this shall be a standing law unto them for
ever for my holy Priesthood, saith the Lord.
11 .i^^^^^^i^ say unto you, it shall come to pass, that
all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be
tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe
this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide
among you. ^
''And I say unto you, if my people observe not
this ]aw, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the
land ot Zion unto me, that my statutes and mv lude*-
ments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy,
behold, verily I say unto you, it rhall not be a land of
.iwi.''qI''7'''''/v.'^^^^'^^^^^ ^^ ^" ensample unto
all the Stakes of Zion. Evenso. Am^xi-:' Doc &->
Cov. Sec. 119. ? . w
The law of tithing, as embodied in the revela-
tions referred to, is an immutable decreee of Tehovah
to his people, and admits of no evasion by those who
would enjoy the blessings of the faithful on the land
'T.l' u^ ^^ classed among the righteous, and
avoid the burning at the coming of our Lord.
-f ti5v5.i^^^^i5^^^^ ?^ ^''^^^ ^^a^l ^ the Lord's.
.1 the tenth of the lierd and the flock shall be holy.
eh.'fnoSa '^^"^'^^^^^^^^^ it be good or bad, neither shall he
prii^'t!"' ^^' ^^~^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ P^'^ ^ ^^''^^ ^^' *^^i^ tithes to the
?? o¥-H^l\^ ^^ the third year to be laid up.
9fi ?o' ^! .^^^^ ?^^* ^^""^l^ tithe all the increase of thy seed
crel^e ^^^ ""^ ^"^ ^^ ^'^^'^^ ^^^ ^^^ tithes of thy in-
dantlyf ''''• ^^* ^' ^ ^^''^^^ brought the tithes of all things, abun-
•r.i^'f?' ^^' ^.^i ^^ the tithes of Israel were brought to the Levitea.
and they paid a tenth to the house of the Lord. A^viiea,
164 THE APOSTACY.
13. 12 men appointed over the treasuries of the house of the
Lord.
Amos 4. 4 bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes
after three years.
Mai. 3. 8 wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and oflfer-
ings.
10 bring ye ;ill the tithes into the storehouse.
3Iatt. 2;i 23 Pliarisees paid tithes, but omitted the weightier
matters of the law,
Luke 11. 42 for ye tithe mint and rue, and pass over judgment
and the love of God.
. 18. 12 I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all I possess.
Heh. 7. 5 the sons of the Levites to take tithes of the people. 6,
8.9.
See Sermon by B, Young, y. of D,^ Vol. z, page §t.
*'• G. Q. Con??oj!. " " zf, *' /./7.
" F. D. Richards,'' " />>, " ,>
'• B, Young, •• " 16, •' in.
APOSTACY OF THE PRIMTITVE
CHURCH.
The Gospel dispensation inaugurated by our
Savior, while on his earthly mission, was not a gath-
ering one. Israel had already been widely scattered.
That scattering was soon to result in the complete
desolation of the land of Palestine.
Wherever the people received the Gospel through
the preaching of the apostles, they were organized
into churches. They not only had their old tradi-
tions and customs to contend with, but there was no
relief from the general pagan influences under which
they had been educated. Add to these things, the
persecutions the early Saints were exposed to, and it
could not wxU be otherwise than that many of them
should be weak in the faith.
THE APOSTACY. 1 65
The epistles of the apostles inform us that they
had often contended with false teachers and doc-
trines in the primitive churches. ^' P2ven now," said
the apostle John, ''are there many anti-Christs." i
John 2. 18. The apostle Paul, in his second epistle
to Timothy, informs us, that ''In the last days peril-
ous times shall come;" 2 Tim. 3. i.
In the following; three verses he .enumerates all
manner of wickedness which shall be prevalent in
the latter times. He evidently means in the Christian
churches, or among those who profess godliness, for
in the fifth verse of the same chapter, he speaks of
their having '^A form of godlinesSj but denying the
power thereof."
The apostle Paul exhorted the Colossians to "be
not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which
ye have heard, and which was preached to every
creature which is under heaven;" CoL i. 23.
About fifty-seven years after the Savior had closed
his earthly mission, if v/e are correctly informed in
the second and third chapters of the Revelations of
St. John, there were but seven churches in Asia
whom the Lord considered worthy of notice. This,
coupled with the assertion of Paul, that the Gospel
had, in his' day, been preached to every creature,
proves that its light only faintly glimmered, in the
otherwise universal darkness, which existed at the
time John had his vision on the isle of Patmos.
John the Revclator saw Rome in all her glory, in
his day, reigning over the kings of the earth, full of
riches and all manner of abominations, and drunken
with the blood of the Saints and of the martyrs of
Jesus; Rev. 17. This great power, drenched in the
N(vod of the martyrs, about 325 A.D., in the reign.
)f Constantine, adopted what was then known as
Christianity, as the religion of the empire.
It was not possible that such a wicked, corrupt
'>]ement and the Gospel of Jesus could have any
infinity. Rather, is it not evident that the antago-
nism of Christianity and paganism had measurably
ceased? that they had assimilated? that they had
both so nearly found the same level, that with a
l66 THE APOSTACY.
slight pressure of governmental policy they readily
amalgamated ?
Not only prophecy but general history, and espe-
cially the history of Christianity by its learned pro-
fessors, furnish abundant evidence of its early depar-
ture from the pure principles of the Gospel.
The prophetic history of the preparatory work, for
the coming of Christ to reign on the earth in the lat-
ter days, is predicated on the apostacy of the primitive
Christian church, the general wickedness of the na-
tions, and the gathering of the house of Israel.
Since the calling of Abraham, the authenticated
personal manifestations of the Lord to man have
been through him and his family. Christ came to his
own chosen people. His earthly mission was com-
menced and consummated in the midst of Israel. The
Gospel was first preached to the Jews. His apostles
were chosen from his brethren of the seed of Abra-
ham. The first church of Christ was estabhshed at
Jerusalem. The apostles were commanded to remain
there until endowed with power from on high. All
the blessings of salvation are promised to mankind
through the seed of Abraham.
When the Lord comes in glory and power, the
prophets inform us that he will come to Zion and
Jerusalem, the chief cities of gathered Israel. The
apostle Paul informs us that *' God hath set some in
the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues;"
I Cor, 12. 28.
From the above it is evident that, had the church
of Christ been on the earth in the past centuries, it
would have been organized like the primitive church,
with apostles and prophets of the house of Israel at
the head of it. More than that, it would have enjoyed
all the spiritual gifts and blessings mentioned in the
above chapter.
John the Revelator, in his visions of the latter
times, says, ^'And I saw another angel fly in the
midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
THE APOSTACY. 167
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people;" Rev.
14. 6.
No one who has any faith in the Scriptures would
assert that the Gospel preached by Jesus and his
apostles was not the '* Everlasting Gospel." If ever-
lasting, it must of necessity be the same wherever
found. If the same Gospel, it would always produce
the same results. Its ordinances would be the same.
Its followers would enjoy the same gifts and bless-
ings. They would call themselves Saints. They
would have an organization that would not vary from
the church organized by Jesus and his apostles. They
would have been led by apostles and prophets of the
house of Israel.
Instead of this, the Christian churches and na-
tions have for many centuries ground the House of
Israel with the iron heel of oppression. They have
robbed, driven and slain the covenant people of God,
the chosen people of that same Jesus of Nazareth
whose precepts and example they profess to follow.
The Shiloh came and the sceptre departed from
Judah. A series of terrible oppressions commenced
under Roman governors, which resulted in the des-
truction of Jerusalem, and of the Jews as a nation;
that may be considered the beginning of the fulfil-
ment of the prediction of our Savior, ^*J^^'us3,lem
shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled;" Ltike 21. 24.
The reasonable construction of this passage is,
that "The times of the Gentiles" means the period
in which they will bear rule, oppress Israel, and hold
possession of the heritage of the seed of Abraham.
When "The times of the Gentiles shall be ful-
filled," when the angel, seen in vision by John the
Revelator, shall have brought again to earth the
" Everlasting Gospel," will also be " The times of
restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by
the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world
began;" Acts 3. 21.
The first century of the Christian era was a very
important one in the world's history. The covenant
people of God ceased to exist as a nation. The
l68 THE APOSTACY.
civilized world, represented by the Roman empire,
with Paganism as the prevailing religion, began to
fill up the measure of its iniquity by shedding the
blood of the apostles, and of the disciples of Jesus.
Pagan philosophy counteracted Gospel iniiuences.
There was a constant tendency in Christianity and
paganism to assimilate. This is evident from the
writings of the apostles.
That, after Christianity became the leading ele-
ment of the Roman empire, it ceased to be regenera-
tive in its nature, is evidenced by the fact, that the
empire was often scourged with destructive civil wars
which prepared it for dissolution. It was finally
crushed by barbarian hordes. They desolated whole
provinces, leaving only remnants of corrupt peoples,
to be measurably regenerated by an infusion of new
blood from the plains of eastern Europe, and western
Asia. Both sacred and profane history have failed
to record an instance of a people who, living under
the regenerating influences of the Gospel of Jesus,
and enjo3ang the favor of God, were broken and
destroyed by such terrible scourges as Adsited the
Roman empire the first five centuries of the Christian
era. Modern nations have risen from its ashes^ have
adopted its religion, its customs, its ethics, without
inspiration from heaven, without any further Gospel
dispensation, without apostles and prophets of the
house of Israel, and without the guidance of the Holy
Priesthood, after the order of the Son of God, which
the Lord has decreed should only come through the
seed of Abraham. $
Isa. 24. 2 as with the people, so with the priest.
5 the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof.
17 fear and the pit are upon thee, O inhabitants of the earth.
Dan. 7. 25 he shall speak great words against the Most High,
and shall wear out the Saints.
8. 10 it waxed great, even to the host of heaven.
11 by him the daily sacrilice was taken away.
12 it cast down the truth to the ground, and it practised and
prospered.
28 the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are
come to the full.
THE APOSTACY. 169
25 through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in jiis
hand. 26.
Matt. 24.^10 many shall be offended, and shall betray and hate
one another.
Acts 2^. 29 after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, 30.
1 Tim. 1. G some have turned aside to vain jangling. 7.
19 concerning faith have made shipwreck.
4. 1 in the latter times some shall depart from the faith.
2. 3 speaking lies in hypocrisy, forbidding to marry.
2 Tim. 2. 18 who concerning the truth have erred.
3. 1 know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come
2—7 men shall be lovers of their own selves, without natural
affection. Ever learning and never able to come to a knowledsre
of the truth. ^
12 all that will live Godly in Christ Jems shall suffer persecu-
tion. ^
4. 16 at my first answer no man stood ^vil h me.
Titus 1 10, 11 many unruly and vain talkers, deceivers, who
subvert whole houses.
3. 9 avoid foolish q nations, contentions, and strivings. 10
2 Peter 2. 1 who, privily, shall bring in damnable heresies*
Rev. 16. 6 for they have shed the blood of the Saints and nro-
phets. ^
^ 17. 1, 2 the great whore that sitteth upon the waters. Chap. 18.
«->, 9.
5 the mystery, Babylon, the mother of harlots
6 the woman, drunken with the blood of the Saints, and the
martyrs of Jesus. '
15 the waters which thou sawest are peoples, multitudes and
nations
18 the Avoman is that great city which reigneth over the kinas
of the earth. ^
18. 2 Babylon is become the habitation of devils, the hold of
every foul spirit.
24 in her was found the blood of the proohets.
19. 2 he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the
Book of JHcrmon.
\r.}J'^^^'^'i^'^{ 5 the foundation of a church which is most abom-
22 14 2^? /^ 2^18 '^'''^■' ^^ ^'''^- ^^'''^' ^^' ''' ^' ^^' ^''''^'
oA^^\ ^^1? ^'"^^"^^^ <^f the world they destroy the Saints
^„;*r^^ t^p./ewish record went forth in purity to the Gentiles,
?^: !™f'^^'l ^^^? 1^^^^ ^^^^5" ^^^^ ^^st precious parts, for which rea-
sou many stumtDle.
watcrs"^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ dominion over all the earth, and sat upon many
12 the Saints of God were scattered over the earth, and their
whore ^"^'"^ ^^^^^ ^^'^^^^' hecause of the wickedness of the great
fi^vJP "^o*er of abominations gathered together multitudes to
nght against the Lamb of God.
I JO THE APOSTACY.
15 the wrath of God poured out on that abominable church.
16, 17.
15. 13 many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested
in the body, the fulness ot the Gospel shall come to the Gentiles.
22. 22, 23 the kingdom of the devil built up among the children
of men.
2 NepM 26. 19—22 refers to the time when the children of Lehi
(the American Indians) shall be smitten and driven by the Gen-
tiles, and gives an unmistakable description of the Christian
world of the present day.
27. 1 in the latter days, all shall be drunken with iniquity.
28. 8 every one that'hath built up churches, and not unto the
Lord, shall say, I am the Lord's.
4 they and their priests shall contend one with another.
6 they shall say, in this day God is not a God of miracles.
29. 3 a Bible, we have got a Bible; there cannot be any more.
3 NepM 16. 7 in the latter days shall the truth come unto the
Gentiles. 1 NepM 15. 13, Rev. 14. 6.
Sec. 1. 15 they have strayed from mine ordinances and broken
mine everlasting covenant.
16 every man walketh in his own way, after the image of his
own God.
17, 18 Joseph Smith. Jun., and others commanded to proclaim
these things, that the sayings of the prophets might be fulfilled.
30 to bring forth the only true and living church, out of 0)3-
scurity and darknass.
5. 6 you shall be ordained to deliver my words to the children
of men.
29. 21 that great and abominable church shall be cast down.
35. 11 shall not anything be shown forth except desolations
on Babylon ?
38. 11 for all flesh is corrupted before me.
86. 1—7 an explanation of the parable of the wheat and tares.
Sec. 88. 94.
133. 14 go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon.
f jearl jo£ (Knal ^xitt.
Page 3. in a day when men would take many of the words
from the book Avhich Moses should write, the Lord promised to
raise up another like him, when they should be had again among
men. 2 Nephi 3. 9.
21 so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness
and vengeance.
See O. Spencer"* s Letters tx> Rev, Wm, Crowel^ No, 6,
•' Universal Apostacy^*^ a pamphlet by O. Pratt,
JERUSALEM. I71
THE JERUSALEM OF THE EASTERN
HEMISPHERE.
The earliest account we have of Jerusalem is in
the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, under the date of
1913B.C.
When Abram was returning from the slaughter of
the five kings, Melchisedek, king of Salem, brought
him refreshments. He was a righteous prince and a
priest of the Most High God; and he blessed
Abram.
Josephus, the Jewish historian, states that this
city of Salem was afterwards called Jerusalem;
Ant. of the Jews^ B, i., Chapte?' lo. It has been
the scene of many great events connected with the
ministry of the holy Priesthood on the earth.
Abram was commanded to offer his son Isaac, on
one of the mountains in the land of Moriah; Gen,
22. 2. Josephus says, that the mountain on which
Abram built an altar, to offer his son Isaac, was the
same on which king David (Solomon) afterwards
built a temple.
The Jebusites retained possession of the city of
Jerusalem until 1048 B. C., when it was subdued by
David. He first took the stronghold of Zion; ''The
same is the city of David." At that time, this was
only a strong outwork or fortification for the defence
of the city; 2 Sam. 5. 6 — 9.
In the days of Solomon, Jerusalem became a
great and strong city, with a magnificent temple
towering on Mount Moriah.
From its conquest by David, until the death of
Solomon, it was the capital city of Israel, and after-
wards of the kingdom of Judah. B. C. 585, Jerusa-
salem was burned by the army of Nebuchadnezzar,
and the better part of the inhabitants of the land
172 JERUSALEM.
were carried captive to Babylon; 2 Kings, chapters
24 and 25.
The city was re-established at the end of the
seventy years' captivity. It afterwards played an im-
portant part in the history of that part of Asia.
Almost under the shadow of its walls, our Savior
was born. It was the central place of the scenes of
his earthly mission. In it he was scourged and con-
demned to death. Just outside of its walls, and in
sight of its towers, and the glorious temple built to
his name, the God of Israel died the death of a male-
factor.
It was here, and near here, that he consummated
his earthly mission, and ascended to his Father.
In A. C. 70, the land of Judea, and city of Jeru-
salem, were made a desolation by the Roman armies,
and the Jews, as a nation, entirely rooted out of their
heritage, and scattered among all nations.
For information on this subject, the student should
read, carefully, Josephus' ''^Wars of the Jews^
Up to this time, in her history, many prophecies
were fulfilled. In her future many more are to be ful- "
filled, for she is yet to take an important part in the
great work of the latter days. Like the New Jerusa-
lem of the American continent, this city will descend
out of heaven, after the final change of the earth to
its celestial condition; Rev. 21. 10 — 27.
It is often called Zion in the Old Testament, and
will be the capital city of gathered Israel on the
Eastern hemisphere, in^the latter days.
There are many passages in the Scriptures relat-
ing to this important city. A few are appended to
assist the student in further researches concerning it.
Bent. 31. 29 evil will befall you in the latter days, because ye
will do evil.
1 King^ 11. 11— IS Lord declared he would rend the kingdom
from Solomon.
14. 15 Lord shall root up Israel, and scatter them beyond the
river.
2 Kings 20. 17, \'i treasures laid up by the fathers, to be carried
to Babylon.
JERUSALEM. I73
23 27 I will remove Judah out of my sight, as I have removed
Israel .
2Chron. 36. 21 the land shall enjoy her Sabbaths seventy years.
Im. 4. this chapter evidently refers to the latter days, and to
the Zion o± the Western Hemisphere, and to the city of Jerusalem,
on the Eastern.
25. 6—12 in this mountain shall the Lord make a feast of fat
ihmgs\ He will destroy the face of the co^^ering cast over all peo-
ple, He will swallow up death in victory.
32. 9—18 laiid of Israel to be desolate, until the Spirit is poured
out from on high.
52. 9, 10 sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem.
_ 01. 17 stand up, O Jerusalem, which has drunk of the cup of
his fury. ^
Jer. 25. 11 these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy
years. *^
18 to make Jerusalem and her kings a desolation, and a curse
26. 18 Micah prophesied that Zioii should be plowed like a
field.
_ 50. 4 in those days Israel and Judah, together, shall come, go-
ing and weeping. ^
x, ^-'■•.R"^''' Israel the rod of the Lord's inheritance, with which
he will break in pieces their enemies.
Ezelc, 38 and 39. these chapters are a prophecv of the gathering'-
of the nations against Jerusalem in the latter days.
Zeph. l.'this chapter is, evidently, a prophecy of the desolation
of Jerusalem.
Haggai 2 9 the glory of this latter house, shall be greater than
that of the former.
Zech. 12. the restoration of Judah.
^ Chap. 14. in the latter days the Lord will deliver Jerusalem
irom tue nations that will go up to battle against it.
Matt. 24. Destruction of Jerusalem foretold P of G. P. 'peine ;\S
XwA:e 19 41-44 Christ foretells the destruction of Jerusalem."
L/iiap. Zo. 2o — oU.
JSS
Se^ Article, by C. W, Penrose, Mil, Star, Vol. jo, page
''New Jerusalem,'' a pauiphlet by O. Pratt.
174 NEW JERUSALEM,
NEW JERUSALEM.
The Jaredite prophet, Ether, predicted, 600 B.C.,
that a city which should be called a holy city, should
be built on the land of North America, and that it
should be built up unto the remnant of the seed of
Joseph. He further informs us, that it should be
called the New Jerusalem, to distinguish it from
Jerusalem which should be built on the eastern hemis-
phere; Ether 13. 3 — 8.
Ether also saw that this New Jerusalem was the
one that John the Revelator saw, in vision, coming
down out of heaven. «' Until the end come, when
the earth shall pass away, and there shall be a new
heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto
the old, save the old have passed away, and all things
have become new. And then cometh the New Jeru-
salem;" 'verses 8 — 10. Rev, 21. 2.
Our Savior, in his personal ministration among
the Nephites, six hundred years after the predictions
of Ether, renews the promise that a New Jerusalem
should be built upon this land.
Speaking to the Nephites, he says: "This people
will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the
covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and
it shall be a New Jerusalem;" 3 Nephi 20. 22.
The Savior again says, speaking to the Gentiles,
that those who shall come into the covenant, shall
"be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob.'
"And they shall assist my people, the remnant of
Jacob, and also, as many ot the house of Israel as
shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be
called the New Jerusalem; and then shall they assist
my people that they may be gathered in, who are
scattered upon all the face of the land in unto the
New Jerusalem;" 21.22—24.
NEW JERUSALEM. I75
We learn from the Book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants, that this New Jerusalem is to be the city of
Zion, of the latter days. '*And it shall be called the
New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a
place of safety for the Saints of the most High God;
And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the ter-
ror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the
wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called
Zion;"^ Doc, &^ Cov. 45. 66, 67.
This is, also, the Zion spoken of by the ancient
Jewish prophets, as separate and distinct from the
Zion, or Mount Zion, that was in Jerusalem, in the
land of Palestine.
In the following passages, evidently, two distinct
places are intended. ''Zion is a wilderness, Jerusa-
lem a desolation;" Jsa, 64. 10. ^* For the law shall
go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jeru-
salem;" Micah 4. 2.
There are three Zions spoken of in the sacred
writings— the Zion on the American continent, the
Zion at Jerusalem, and the Zion of Enoch. For some
account of the Zion of Enoch, see Pearl of Great
Price, i)ages 18—22. On the 22d page we learn, that,
when Christ shall come, the Zion of the western
hemisphere and the Zion of Enoch shall be united
in one. There the Lord will reside, and it will be the
gathered Zion '^which shall come forth out of all the
creations which I have made."
Fsalm 14. 7 oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of
^lon !
48. 2 beautiful for situation is Mount Zion, on the sides of the
north. 11 — 14.
Im. 1. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment
2 3 out of Zion shall go forth the la\\r; and the word of the
Lord from Jerusalem.
40. 9 O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the
h]gh mountain. ^ v ^
.4^;.]:^""^^ ^^^ ^^'^^ '^^ ^^y destruction shall be too narrow I
jviU lift up mine hand to the Gentiles. Kings shall be thy niirs-
flJ'^h I will feed them that oppress thee with their own
51. 11 the redeemed of the Lord shall come to Zion.
176
NEW JERUSALEM,
52. 1 put on thy strength, O Zion.
59. 20 and the Redeemer shall come to Zion.
6i. 10 Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation,
Jer. 3. 14 will take you one of a city and two of a family, and
bring you to Zion.
31. 6—14 arise, let us go up to Zion. Behold, I will bring them
from the north country. They shall come with weeping. They
shall come and sing in the heights of Zion. The virgin shall re-
joice in the dance.
50. 4, 5 the children of Israel shall come, they and the children
of Judah together. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their
faces thitherward.
Joel 2. 32 for in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, shall be deliv-
erance.
3. 16 the Lord shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from
Jerusalem.
Ohad. 21. Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion.
Zeph. 3. 14 sing, O daughter of Zion, rejoice, 0 daughter of
Jerusalem.
16 said to Jerusalem, fear not ; and to Zion, let not thine hands
be slack.
Zech. 1. 17 the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and choose Jeru-
salem.
2. 10, 11 the Lord will dwell in the midst ot Zion, and many
nations shall be joined to him.
Row,. 11. 26 there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer.
Rev. 14. 1 a Lamb stood on Mount Zion.
Sec. 28. 9 no man knoweth where the city shall be built.
35. 24 Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish. 39. 13. Sec,
49. 25.
38. 4 have taken the Zion of Enoch into my own bosom.
42. 9 shall be revealed when the New Jerusalem shall be pre-
pared. 35, 62, 67.
48. 4 5 the place for the city to be revealed to certain men.
57. 2 Missouri the place for the city of Zion. 3, 14.
58. 7 bearing record of the land on which the Zion ot God
r^iiall stand.
59. 0 blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion.
63. 24 should assemble themselves together on the land of
Zion.
29—31 land of Zion to be obtained by purchase, or by blood. 36
64. 34 the obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion.
68. 25 inasmuch as parents have children in Zion.
29 the inhabitants of Zion shall keep the Sfabbatli day holy .
30—32.
72. 15 every man that cometh to Zion must lay all things be-
fore the bishop.
76. 66 ihe^o riro tliev who are come unto Mount Zion.
82. 13 Kirtland consecrated for a stake of Zion. 14. Sec. 94. 1.
Sec. 9b. 1. , . . ^.
85. 1 duty of the Lord's clerk k) record what transpires in Zion.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
177
?.n I V^o^^ ^^ wisdom for the church and Saints in Zion
90 8 that they might be perfected in their ministry, for the
salvation ot Zion. ^'
93 53 obtain a knowledge of history, countries, lands, etc., for
the salvation of Zion. v., xv^i
^ 97. 10 my will that an house be built in Zion, like the pattern
21 this is Zion, the pure in heart. 25
100. 13 Zion shall be redeemed, although she is chastened for a
little season.
W' i^ the pure in heart shall return to build up Zion. 19—21 41
103 22'-24 around the land of Zion to be bought with money.*
io^- o¥~^^ *^^ redemption of Zion must needs come by power
f? ?S concerning the redemption of Zion, by gathering to-
gether the strength of Israel. ^- it^illlb lU
10^.^ 5 Zion must be built according to the law of the celestial
jiingQom,
}o^' 2 -N^uvoo planted as a corner stone of Zion 6 60
13b. 18 Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time
81 Saints to be tried, that they may receive the glory of Zion
SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
In the churches established by our Savior and his
apostles, the Holy Ghost manifested itself in the de-
velopment of a variety of gifts. Of so great import-
ance did the apostle Paul consider these gifts, to the
well being and edification of the Saints in Rome, that
he wrote, "For I long to see you, that I may impart
""""u?' r'i ^,?"}? spiritual gift, to the end ve may be es-
tabhshed;" /^om. i. 11.
The inspired writings do not indicate that these
gilts were bmited to any period of time, or to any one
dispensation, but they are spoken of by the apostles,
as ever characterizing the operations of the Holv
Spirit. ^
In the twelfth chapter of the apostle Paul's first
epistle to the Corinthians, we are assured that "there
1755 SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
are diversities of gifts by the same spirit;'* verse 4.
" But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every
man to profit withal;" verse j. From this we learn
that the presence of the Spirit in a man is manifested
by some gift. It is evident from the general tenor
of this chapter, that these gifts will always be mani-
fest in the church of Christ, for its members will ever
have the Holy Ghost abiding in them, and, where
that is, the gifts of the Spirit will be manifest.
The Book of Mormon speaks very plainly of the
necessity of these gifts in the church, '^^gain
I speak unto you, who deny the revelations of God,
and say that they are done away, that there are no
revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing,
nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of
tongues. Behold I say unto you, he that denieth
these things, knoweth not the Gospel of Christ; yea,
he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not
understand them;" Mormon 9. 7, 8.
In a revelation to Joseph, the prophet, given
March 8, 1831, the Lord gives much instruction con-
cerning spiritual gifts; ''For all have not every gift
given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to
every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God;"
Doc, &^ Doc, 46. II. The Lord also adds, ''That
unto some it may be given to have all these gifts,
>hat there may be ahead;" verse 29.
I Cor. 1. 7 so that ye may come behind in no gift.
7. 7 every man hath his proper gift of God.
12. 8 to one is given the word of wisdom, to another the word
of knoweldge.
9 to another faith, to another the gift of healing by the same
Spirit.
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy.
II but all worketh that one and the self-same Spirit.
SI covet earnestly the best gifts.
13. 2 though I have the gift of prophecy.
14. 1 desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophecy.
12 forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts.
1 Peter 4. 10 as every man hath received the gift, so minister.
PRE-EXISTENCE, ^ I79
Book of JHormon.
Omni 1. 25 believe in the gift of speaking with tongues, and
interpreting tongues.
Alma 9. 21 having the spirit of prophecy and revelation.
3 NepM 29. 6 shall say the Lord no longer woi'keth by prophecy,
aor gifts.
Moroni 10. 9—19 an enumeration of spiritual gifts.
ffiottrto anlr €^obtTtant5.
Sec. 46. 10 — 26 an enumeration of spiritual gifts.
27 it is given to those ordained to watch over the church to
discern all these gifts. 29.
See A Pamphlet by O, Pratt.
PRE-EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS.
In the first chapter of Genesis, we have an account
of six days, or periods of time, which God occupied
in the creation of this earth. According to the
traditions of many centuries, it is considered by the
Christian world a history of the creation of this earth,
as it appears now, naturally to men who dwell
upon it.
From the first and second chapters of Genesis,
taken together, this view of the subject is evidently
erroneous. In the first verse of the second chapter
we read; *^Thus the heavens and the earth were
.^nished, and all the host of them." This creatio^n is
fividentlyin a very unfinished condition, for myriads
of animal and vegetable life are coming upon it anr*
going to decay.
The sacred writings not only testify that it is in t
l8o PRE-EXISTENCE.
very imperfect condition, but that it must pass away
and be changed into a more perfect earth.
In the second and third verses of the second
chapter, we learn that there was a period of time
called the seventh day, and that the Lord sanctified
it as a day of rest. It there has ever been a period
of time in which this earth, or its inhabitants, have
had universal peace and rest, since the progenitors of
the race partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden
of Eden, we have no account of it. *' These are the
generations of the heavens and of the earth when
they were created, in the day that the Lord God made
the earth and the heavens;" verse ^. This passage
certainly states, that everything had been completed
in the period of time stated in the previous account.
Verse five very plainly states, in connection with the
previous Verse, that every plant of the field was cre-
ated, ^' Before it was in tlie earth, and. every herb of
the field before it grew." During all this long period
of time it had not rained upon the earth. What is
still more singular, it says, *^And there was not a
man to till the ground."
This Mosaic history of the creation was written
for men in their present temporal condition, and it is
evident that these two verses give us to understand,
that these things had not taken place naturally upon
the earth, as they do now. As a sequence, when
they did take place, they would indicate a great
change in the condition of the earth. The first indi-
cation of this change is given in the sixth verse,
**There went up a mist from the earth and watered
the whole face of the ground."
Before the event mentioned in the seventh verse,
the earth must have been fitted up for the abode of
man, in this his natural or temporal condition. "And
the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his ;nostrils the breath of life."
That is, the ground furnished the elements for the
growth of the body of this first temporal man^ from
its first conception, or germ, until it matured into per-
fect manhood by a universal law.
It should be noticed, that, in the first chapter,
PRE-EXISTENCE. l8l
verse i-j^W says, "God created man." That is he
organized from the spiritual elements, the living, act-
ing spiritual man. In the seventh verse of the
second chapter, it only states that he formed roan out
of the ground. That is out of earthly elements
he lormed a tabernacle, a dwelling place for the man
whom he had before created. The prophet Joseph
Smith, in his translation of the Mosaic account of
creation, fills up this gap, which is so evident in the
Bible Genesis, between the seventh day of rest,
and the formation of man from the dust of the
ground.
" For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which
I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally
upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God,
had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth.
And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of
men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in
heaven created I them; and there was not yet fiesh
upon the earth; neither in the water, neither in the
air; but I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a
mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of
the ground. And 1, the Lord God, formed man from
the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the
first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; never-
theless, all things were before created; but, spirit-
ually, were they created and made according to mv
word ;" P. of G. P. page 6.
This account of the creation, plainly sets forth
the comprehensive fact, that all temporal organiza-
tions, pertaining to this earth, are animated by
spiritual pre-existent organizations. The following
IS a very comprehensive passage on this subject:
'; When the Most High divided to the nations their
inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam,
he set the bounds of the people according to the
number of the children of Lsrael;" JJeui. 32. 8. This
passage certainly refers to a very early period, when
the heritage of the nations was given in proportion
to the numbers of Israel. It is difficult to conceive
how their numbers were then known unless there was
i82 PRE-EXJSTENCE.
a Spiritual Israel, of which the temporal is but the
counterpart.
The sacred writings abound with evidences that
Jesus Christ controlled the earth and ministered to
man, as an organized spiritual intelligence before he
came in the flesh in the meridian of time. The first
chapter of John is very pointed on this subject:
*'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God ;" verse i .
'^And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among
us;" verse 14.
Num. 16. 22 the God of the spirits of all flesh. Clmp^^l. 16.
Job 12. 10 in whose hand is the soul of every living thing.
38. 3, 7 where wert thou when I laid the foundations of the
earth ? who hath laid the corner stone thereof when the morning
stars sang togeth er ?
Ecd. 12. 7 the spirit shall return to God who gave it.
Jer. 1. 5 before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.
John 6. 62 if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he
was before.
9. 2 who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born
blind?
16. 27 and have believed that I came out from God.
28 1 came forth from the Father. SO.
17. 5 glorify me with the glory I had with thee before the world
was.
Reh 1. 6 when he bringeth the Fijrst Begotten into the world.
12. 9 shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of our
spirits ?
Rev. 12. 7—12 the devil and his angels cast out of heaven.
Book of JEormoTT.
1 Ne\ihi 13. 33—37 many sayings of the Lamb of God, concern-
ing the future of Israel, repeated to Nephi by an angel— 600 B. C.
17. ; 0 their Lord, their God, their Redeemer going before them.
19. 10 the God of our fathers yielded himself, as a man, into
the hands of wicked men.
20. 17 thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer, the Holy One ol
Israel.
21. 26 all flesh shall know that I am the Lord thy Savior an6
iledeemer.
2 Nephi 6. 18 know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and Re-
deemer
9. 5 it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to
become subject to man in the flesh, that all men might be subject
to him.
PRE-EXISTENCE. 1 83
11. 2 for he verily saw my Redeemer, as 1 have seen him. 3.
7 but there is a God, and he is Christ.
25. 12 Father of heaven and earth shall manifest himself to
them in the flesh.
3Ios. 3. 5 the Lord omnipotent shall come down from heaven
among men.
8 he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things from
the bieginning.
4. 2 Jesus Christ, who created heaven and earth and all things.
7. 27 because he said Christ was God, the Father of all things.
13. 33, 31 the prophets prophesied that God should come down
among men.
15. 1 God, himself, shall come among men and redeem his
people.
Hel 14. 12 Jesus Christ the Father of heaven and earth Char),
16. 18.
3 Nephi 1. 12—14 this night shall the sign be given, and on the
morrow come I into the world.
9. 15 I created the heavens and the earth and all things.
Ether 2. 12 if they will serve Christ, who is the God of the land.
3. 6—20 an account of a remarkable manifestation of Jesus
Christ as God the Son, and the Father, but still a personage of
spirit.
12. 22 the Lord hath commanded me, even Jesus Christ.
^ottxint anitr Cobtnanlj?.
Sec. 10. 57 I came to my own and they received me not
29. 36 the devil, who was before Adam, rebelled against Christ
38. 1—3 Jesus Christ looked on the wide expanse of eternity'
and the hosts of heaven before the worlds were made, and ali
things came by him. 4.
76. 13 Jesus Christ in the bosom of the Father from the begin-
ning.
24 by him, of him, through him, the worlds were made.
86. 9 lawful heirs, and have been hid from the world with
Christ in God. '
93. 23 ye were also in the beginning with the Father.
See Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D,, Vol, 14, pa^e 277
184 FLURALITY OF GODS.
PLURALITY OF GODS.
The passages are numerous in the inspired writ-
ings which indicate a plurality of Gods. In the
account of creation, in the Book of Abraham, the
plural Gods is exclusively used; P, of G, P. page
33-
The Psalmist, speaking of God, says: "Thou
lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: there-
fore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the
oil of gladness above thy fellows;" Paslm 4^. 7,
It is not possible that any other than the true God
is here referred to, for the God that was anointed
above his fellows had loved righteousness and hated
iniquity. '^ God standeth in the congregation of the
mighty; he judgeth among the Gods;" 82. i. In
this passage the number of Gods among whom God
judgeth is indefinite, and the words, ^^congregation
of the mighty," indicate that they might be quite
numerous.
John, the Evangelist, opens his history of our
Savior thus; '* In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was God;"
I. I. In this passage we have an account of two
Gods, one of which dwelt with the other in the begin-
ning. That the "Word," spoken of, is Jesus Christ
is evident fi om verse 14: "And the Word was made
flesh, and dwelt among us."
"Which in his times he shall shew, who is the
blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and
Lord of Lords;" i Tim. 6. 15. From the context of
this passage we learn that the kings and lords here
referred to were holy men. O^ like significance is
the following: "And hath made us kings and priests
unto God and his Father;" Rev. i. 6. That is to
God and the Father of God.
PLURALITY OF GODS.
1^5
^'A Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with him an
hundreci forty and iour thousand, having his Father's
name written in their foreheads;" 14/1. From the
third verse we learn that these were redeemed from
the earth. Whether this name of the Father of Jesus.
Christ was God, or some other tUle indicating his
power and attributes, is not revealed to us, but, what-
ever it was, it evidently identified those who re-
ceived it as Gods.
Gen. 1 26 and God said, let us make man in our iraaffe.
Kxo IcAlvfYio IS like unto thee. O Lord, amonsr the lods
Devt. 10. 1/ Lord your God is God of Q-ods, and Lonl of "lords
Josh 22. 22 the Lord God of gods. Israel lie shall know
1 airon. 16 25 great is the Lord : to be feared above all gods
2 Chron. 2. 5 for great is our God, above all sjods
P^alm 86. 8 among the gods, there is none like unto thee 0
Lorfi. '
1?6. 2, ?> O give thanks to the God of gods
1J8. 1 before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Dan. 2. 11 none can shew it before the king, except the gods.
47 your God is a God of <rods, and a Lord of kinoes
4. 8 m whom is the Spirit of the holv Gods. Char) 5 14
11. r,6 and shall speak marvellous things against the God of
Matt. 5. 48 be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect
Fath'erdo ^°^^^ nothing except what he seeth the
1 Cor. 8. 5 for though there be tliat are called gods
f^i^f- --21 that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body
; i^^?* o- ^'^ ^\^^ ^'^ *'-^ ^^^^^ of kings and Lord ot lords
1 John 3. 2 when he shall appear we sha,ll be like him
thrmv" ^" ^^ *^ ^^^"^ ^'^^^ overcometh, will I grant to sit on my
lieads ^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ 144,000, having his Father's name in their fore-
17. 14 for he is Lord of lords, and King of kino-s
20. 4 I saw thrones, and thev that sat nnon them
21. 7 he that overcometh shall inherit all things.'
Book of ;MormoiT.
^i^^^^?^^^l^i^ecoming as Gods, knowing good and evil.
.. i\rphi2i. 2/ what manner of men ought ye to be"? verilv I
say unto you, even as 1 am. ^ j'^ lu ue . vtuiy i
28. 10 ye shall be as I am, and I, even as the Father.
1 56 ^^^ ^ PERSONAGE.
Sec. 35. 2 one in me, even as I am one in the Father.
39. 4 as many as received me, gave 1 power to become my sons.
76. '24 worlds* were created, and the inhabitants begotten sons
and daughters of God.
55—59 have received of his fulness and glory ; they are Gods.
94, 95 know as they are known ; and he makes them equal in
power and dominion.
84. 35—39 receiveth me, receiveth my Father and his kingdom.
93. 20 be glorified in me, as I am in the Father.
121. 28 whether there be one God or many Gods, they shall be
manifest.
32 in the midst of the council of the eternal God of all other
Gods.
128. 23 proclaiming in our ears eternal life, kingdoms, princi-
palities and powers.
132. 17 and from henceforth are not Gods, but angels of God,
forever. 18.
19 shall pass by the angels and the Gods which are set there.
37 entered into their exaltation ; sit upon thrones, and are not
angels but Gods.
History of jfoseph Smith, jfune i6^ 1844,
GOD A PERSONAGE.
WMz.
Gen. 1. 25—27 man created in the image of God.
3. 9, 10 Adam heard the voice of the Lord.
4. 6 the Lord said unto Cain. 14.
6. 1, 2 Lord created man male and female, in his own likeness.
6, 6 it repented and grieved the Lord that he had made- man.
13—21 God talked with Noah. Chap. 7. 1—4. Cliap. 9. 8.
8. 1 God remembered Noah. 15, 21. Chap. 9, IG.
11. 5 the Lord came down to see the city and the tower. 7.
12. 7 the Lord appeared to Abraham. Chap. 17. 22.
Chap. 18. the Lord ate and talked with Abraham.
28. 13 the Lord stood above the ladder Jacob saw.
32. 30 Jacob saw God face to face. 35. 13.
Exo. 3. 6 Moses was afraid to look on (Jod.
15. 3 the Lord is a man of war. 8, 16, 17.
24. 10, 11 thev saw God and did eat and drink. 12.
31 18 the tables of testimony, written with the finger of God.
33. 11 the Lord talked with Moses as one man speaks with a
friend.
23 thou Shalt see my back parts, but not my face.
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. 1 87
Num. 12. 8 with him will I spertk, mouch to mouth.
35. 34 for I, the Lord, dwell amono: the children of Israel.
Deut. 5. 15 the Lord's mightv hand and stretched out arm
2 Sam. 22. 16 the breath of his nostrils. Joh 1. 11. Chap r>9 2)
2 Chron. 16. 9 the eyes of the Lord run to and fro.
Joh 13. 8 will ye accept his person ?
Psalm 13. 1 how long wilt thou hide thy face ?
34. 15 the eyes of the Lord are upon th*n righteous. 16.
45. 3 gird thy sword upon thy thigh.
89. 13 thou hast a mighty arm and strong is thv hand.
139. 16 thine eyes did see my substance. Prov. 15. 3.
Isa. 30. 27 his lips are full of indignation, his tongue as a de-
vouring fire.
40. 11 he shall gather his lambs with his arm.
48. 13 mine hand hath laid the foundations of the earth.
Ezel:. 1. 27 from the appearance of his loins upward
38. 18 my fury shall come up in my face.
43. 7 the placQ^of the soles of my feet.
Zech. 14. 4 and his feet shall stand upon the Mount of Oli-e^
Heh.l. 10 the heavens are the work of thine hands. 2 7
Rev. 1. 14 his head and his hair like wool, and his eves like
fire.
See Sermon by O, Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 18, pa^-e 286.
Gibson and Woodman* s Discussion, second night.
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD.
^^ There are two personages who constitute the
great, matchless, governing, and supreme, power over
all things, by whom all things were created and
made, that are created and made, whether visible or
invisible, whether in heaven, on earth, or in the
earth, under ^h^ earth, or throughout the immensitv
of space. ^
'/They are tiie Father and the Son— the Father
being a persona-e of spirit, glory, and power, pos-
ses.sing all perfeciK^i and fulness, the Son, who was
1 88 THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD.
in the bosom of the Father, a" personage of taberna-
cle, made or fashioned like unto man, or being in the
form and likeness of man, or rather man was formed
after his likeness and in his image; he is also the
express image and likeness of the personage of the
Father, possessing all the fulness of the Father, or
the same fulness with the Father; being begotten of
him, and ordained from before the foundation of the
world to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who
should believe on his name, and is called the Son be-
cause of the fiesh, and descended in suffering below
that which man can suffer; or, in other words, suf-
fered greater suiTerings, and was exposed to more
powerful contradictions than any man can be.
^' But, notwithstanding all this, he kept the law of
God, and remained without sin, showing thereby that
it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain
also without sin; and also, that by him a righteous
judgment might come upon all flesh, and that^all who
walk not in the law of God may justly be condemned
by the law, and have no excuse for their sins.
"And he being the Only Begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received
a fulness of the glory of the Father, possessing
the same mind with the Father, which mind is
the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and
the Son, and these three are one; or, in other words,
these three constitute the great, matchless, govern-
ing and supreme, power over all things; by whom all
things were created and made that were created
and made, and these three constitute the Godhead,
and are one; the Father and Son possessing the
same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, and
fulness — filling all in all; the Son being filled with
the fulness of the mind, glory, and power; or,
in other words, the Spirit, glory and power, of
the Father, possessing all knowledge and glory,
and the same kingdom, sitting at the right hand
of power, in the express image and likeness of the
Father, mediator for man, being filled with the ful-
ness of the mind of the Father; or, in other words,
the Spirit of the Father, which Spirit is shed forth
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. 189
upon all who believe on his name and keep. his com-
mandments; and all those who keep his command-
ments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become
heirs of the heavenly kmgdom, and joint heirs with
Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, bein^ trans-
formed into the same image or likeness, even the ex-
^l^l'^f^^^''^^'T.^^'' ^^^" ^^^ ^^ ^11' being filled
with the fulness of his glory, and become one in him
even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one
J^rom the foregoing account of the Godhead
which is given in his revelations, the saints have a
sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto Jife
and salvation, through the atonement and mediation
of Jesus Christ; by whose blood they have a foro-ive-
ness of sins, and also a sure reward laid up for Them
in heaven, even that of partaking of the fulness of
the Father and the Son through the Spirit. As the
Son partakes of the fulness of the Father through
the Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be
partakers of the same fulness, to enjoy the same
gory; for as the Father and the Son are one, so, in
Ike manner, the saints are to be one in them. 1 hrou^h
the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Chritt
and the gift of the Holy Spirit, they are to be heirs of
God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ;'^ Uoc. &-
Cov., Fijth Lecture on Faith.
^^And now Abinadi said unto them, I would that
ye should understand that God himself shall come
down among the children of men, and shall redeem'
his people; and because he dwelleth in flesh, he shall
be called the Son of God: and having subjected the
flesh to the will of the Father, being ti.e Father and
the Son; the Father, because he was conceived bv
the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh^-
thus becoming the Father and Son; and thev are one
plr^h l^\^^^ ^^'^ ^^^'^^^ ^^^^^^ of heaven and
eartn ; Mos. 15. i — 4,
h.rl" r?""^'! Pi! l^™"ght and be arraigned before the
^f «* C.'^V'st the Son, and God the Father, and the
Holy Spirit, which is one eternal God, to be judged
accordinq-to their works;" Ahna n. 44. ■" ^
Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I
IgO THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD,
created the heavens and the earth, and all things that
in them are. I was with the Father from the begin-
ning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me ; and
in me hath the Father glorified his name:" 3 JVephi
9. 15.
''And after this manner shall ye baptize in my
name, for behold, verily I say unto you, that the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one;
and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and
the Father and I are one;" 3 Ne^/u 11. 27.
"I bear record of the Father, and the Father
beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth
record of the Father and me. * * And whoso
believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be
saved; and they are they who shall inherit the king-
dom of God.
"And wJioso believeth not in me, and is not bap-
tized, shall be damned. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from
the Father; and whoso believeth in me, believeth in
the Father also, and unto him will the Father beat
record of me ; for he-will visit him with fire, and with
the Holy Ghost.
«'And thus will the Father bear record of me, and
the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the
Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy
Ghost are one;" verses 32—36.
'« God himself was once as we are now, and is an
exalted Man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!
That is the great secret. K the vail was rent to-day,
and the Great God who holds this world in its
orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by
his power, was to make himself visible,— I say, if
you were to see him to-day, you would see him like a
man in form— like yourselves in all the person, image,
and very form as a man; for Adam was created in
the very fashion, image, and likeness of God, and
received instruction from, and walked, talked, and
conversed with him, as one man talks and communes
with another;" //is. J, Smith, April ^^ 1844.
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. I9I
miu.
26 27^^* ^^' ^^ ^ *^^^^ ^^^^' ^ ^^*^®^' ^^^^ of heaven and earth
K,,?L??, ^^k^.fway this cup from me. nevertheless, not as I will,
Dui as inou wilt.
nn^'wh ^?i.%''f^"'^^T.^'^^^^^^^^^ the Son is but the Father,
and who the Fc.ther is but the Son. c^txxci,
23. 34 Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do 46
4 2? Ihlu wnv^^'-'^.f ""l ^l^f ^"^^^ Begotten of the Fatner." isl
F^thpr Jpwhl?7'i'? ^^^ l^^^'^F in spirit and in truth, for the
J^ atner seeketn such to worship him
Father^d^^''20^2l''^'^ ^^ nothing of himself, but what he seeth the
mentSfto'^ttelVn't''^ ^" "^'"' '^^^ ^""^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^ j-^^-
^^^6 as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the
Son of^Mam'ir ^^^^^^'^^ ^^ execute judgment, because he is the
i^ o?^P^ ?^t ^5^^^ ^i'^^ accuse you unto the Father.
6. 27 for him hath God the Father scaled
87 all that the Father giveth me shall come to me 44-46
?o 1^ n??!,?""^ ^^\?''^^ ^""^ ^ "i'^'^ "^^ I'^t^e^ tli^it sent me. 18.
12 9? F JhL^e^^^^'^ knoweth me, even so know I the Father.
Father^ "^^""^ ^^^^^ ^^""^ ^^ ^^^""^"^ "^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ *^^« ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^
i^^l. ^ .V^ ??^^, Cometh to the Father but b v me 8
o« K,!f'?i^^^^ ^?*^^ ^^^ J'^^^ ^^^li t^i^ Father.' 11, 13, 16
26 but the Comiorter whom the Father wiil send '
from'the Father ^^^'^^"^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^i^o^^ I will send unto you
]^' i^T?\V^'%^ tj!^t t^^ ^^t^^i' ^^th are mine. 16, 2-3-28
17. 1 1' at her, the hour is come, glorify thy Son
6 eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesns ChvWt
whom he has sent. 5, 11, 24, 25. ' GUiist
J? fo}^ ^}I^^ ^^^ ^^in^'' ^^d thine are mine
thee ^^ •'^''^ ^^ ''''^' ^' ^^''^''' ^'^t^'^^' ^^t in nie and I in
22 the glory which thou gavest me I have given them that
they may be one, e^ en as we are one ^ '
in oni '"^ ^^^'^' ^''^ ^^'''' '"^ "^^^ t^^* tl^^y ^ay t)e made perfect
with me whVeTam ^"' '""'^ "^^^' "^^^ ^^^^ ^^^'^^ given me, be
Ghosf ^' ^^ '"^^'"^^^ ^^ *^^ ^^^^^^ the promise of the Holv
8. lb the Spirit itself beareth witness with our snirit
?i ^^r.Tl^'^'^S '^^'^ i^'^ over all, God blessed forever
be glory foieve"?; '^^"^^^ ^^^' ^^^ to him are^all tinnl^; to whom
16. 27 to God only wke, be glory through Jesu^ Christ forever.
192 THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD,
1 Cor. 2. 4 in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
8. 6 but to us there is but one God, the Father.
15. 24 when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
eren the Father.
Gal. 4. 4 when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth
his Son made of a woman.
Eph. 3. 11 to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus.
4. 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all.,
Col. 1. 19 for it pleased the Father that in him should all tul-
ness dwell.
2. 9 in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead, bodily.
Heb. 1. 8 to the Son he saith, thy throne, O God, is forever.
5. 9 being made perfect he became the author of eternal sal-
vation.
7. 28 maketh the Son who is consecrated forevermore.
9. 14 who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without
spot to God.
12. 9 be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live.
13. 8 Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and forever.
2 Peter 1. 17 for he received from God the Father, honor and
glory. ,
1 John 2. 1 we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous. 23, 24.
5. 7 there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost.
Rev. 1. 18 he that liveth and was dead, and am alive forever
more.
2. 7 hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
5. 13 unto him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for
ever.
10. 6 sware by him that liveth forever, that time shall be no
longer.
11. 15 and he shall reign for ever and ever.
15. 7 full of the wrath of God who liveth forever.
Book o£ jHormoTx.
• 1 Nefphi 10. 18 for he is the same yesterday, to-day and forever.
19 wherefore the course of God is one eternal round.
11. 21 behold the Lamb of God, the Son of the eternal Father.
Chap. 13. 40.
32 the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world.
2 Nephi 2. 4 for the Spirit is the same yesterday, to-day and for
ever.
9. 16 it is his eternal word which cannot pass away.
10. 14 I will be a light to them forever, that hear my words.
27. 23 tliat I am the same yesterday, to-day and forever. 29. 9.
Mos. 3. 5 is from all eternity to all eternity.
15. 4 yea, the very eternal Father of heaven and earth.
16. 9 the light and life of the world, yea, a light that is endless.
Alma 7. 16 he shall have eternal life, according to the testimon|
01 ihe Holy Spirit.
11. 39 he is the very eternal Father of heaven and earth. 40.
44 Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit, one eternal God.
THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. I93
or end^oF^^L?^^''"^'' ""^ ^^^ ^^^^^'' '^^^^^^ beginning of days
Son of^God'' ^''^''^' ^^^*' '"^^"^^^^ ^"^^ ^^^"^""^^ sacrifice will be the
lirmond 2I Hf'A^^^ ^^^^^S' ^^^ beginning and the end.
earth Father, yea, the eternal Father of heaven and
eveSfnJ: 28. ^""^ ^^°'^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^S^' ^^"^^ ^'^^ everlasting to
8 18 he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eterniiv
10. 4 exliort you that you would ask Godf the eteriS Father. 28.
lastt/t'oTvSri^iris'^ ' ''°'' "^«"^'« an/ote\^l'}rfrJ>t ever-
4?' f hi V nrH "n' ^''"™; r."'' '■'^'l^er, whom I created.
V, ? 9 jyl^"** '^"'f^ '^'-^■■'"^ ""' "f the Garden of Eden,
t I'tL &»?;?'l?"'''f''' t^^S beginning and the end
ii' 1 I T"^** "t^, ^""^ '^^ho IS from all eternitv to all eternitv
"49 1- a^Ton « 'I'V'^Vr- «"d mo^-e a"Vhaveabehi|-7
Sfi iT fhlTS ?," ''^® ^"'■'■^ ■^«'™'^' the beginning and the end
not'pas'away^^ ^^^'^^'^'^ «"^ '■'""> Pa^^ away, these words shall
I am to IZl" ''^^ ''^■"' ^^-^^ T'^'^' I ^^^«. 'I'-t I am, and that
thinls.^" ""''^ ^ '° ^''^ ^"''"^ °f «te™"y. i" the midst of all
eve""'^*"^' '"■'' ^^^'"^ ^""^ of him, even God for ever and
of fheeterna?God^ "^ that which was ordained, in the council
i?;v,1*i •**^J' ^'^^'\ f'^^^y he gods, because they have no end 2->
^4 this IS eternal life, to know the only wise'^and true God.
See Sermon by B. Young, J. of D.. Vol. f, page 46.
Article Mil. Star, Vol, 15, pa^e 301. ^' ^*
U
194 ORDINANCES, ETC., ETERNAL.
ORDINANCES, COVENANTS, ETC.,
ETERNAL.
Gen, 21. 33 Abraham called on the name of the everlasting
God. Isa. 40. 28. Itom. 16. 26.
Exo. 3. 15 this is my name forever and my memorial to all gen-
erations.
12. 14 Israel to keep the feast of Passover by an ordinance for-
ever. 24.
27. 21 it shall be a statute forever to Israel.
31. 16, 17 the Sabbath a perpetual covenant and sign between
the Lord and Israel forever.
Num. 10. 8 an ordinance forever throughout your generations.
1 Sam. 3. 14 the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged for
ever.
2 Sam. 7. 24 hast confirmed Israel to be a people to thee for
ever.
1 Chron. 17. 14 David's throne established for evermore.
23. 13 Aaron and his sons sanctified forever.
2 Chron. 33. 4 in Jerusalem shall my name be forever.
Psalm 19. 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring- forever.
24. 7 lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall
come in.
33, 11 the counsel of the Lord standeth forever.
45. 6 thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. 17.
72. 19 blessed be his glorious name forever, let the earth be
filled with his glory.
100. 5 his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth.
119. 89 forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
145. 13 thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
Keel. 3. 14 what God doeth it shall be forever; nothing can be
put to it or taken taken from it.
1) that which hath been is now; that which is hath already
been.
Isa. 9. 6 a child is born, he shall be called the everlasting
■father.
32. 17 and the effect of his righteousness quietness and assur-
ance forever.
33. 14 who among us shall dwell in everlasting burnings.
Ezek. 37. 26 make a covenant of peace with them it shall be an
everlasting covenant.
Dan. 7. 14 his dominion is an everlasting dominion.
18 the Saints shall take and possess the kingdom forever.
ORDINANCES, ETC., KTERNAL. 195
stare fore'ei: """ '"'" '"^"^'° righteou.ne.s shall shine as the
herifeternal Hfe ^'"^'■' '"'"''' ^°°^ ^''-^^ ^hall I do that I may in-
come life'^^ri^tin^^'*^ '" *'^ P=-«=^"' «"^-- -'"J » the world to
but'^have\to,^S1il'^"^°^^^'- b^'''^^-^"* 'nhim should not perish,
sprin#n^'u%^So''ever!i^?i,l'J'}?f|''f«' "^^ - .l"™ - well of water
_ j.^^6. 24 he thatbelieveth on him "that sent me, hath everlasting
j.^^S9 search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal
j.^^6. 68 to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal
given him!"' ''" '""""'^ ^'^« e'«™^' »fe to a. many as thou hast
Whom H,ouS\ s° nt""^" '""'' ''"' ""'^ '™« «od, and Jesus Christ
^. Rr^ to bliS'g'Si;d^Sbv?hefh}r^T^"'^«'^«''-«ved.
his eternal power and Godhead ^ "^' ^^^^ ^"^ '"^•Je, even
and' etemTur' ''°°«""^"'^<^ '° well doing seek for immortality
Hl^^V^^^^"^^ the heavens,
everlasting"'"' ^°^^^* '° *« Spirit, shall ^^the Spirit reap life
in ct'sf'/elus''"'"'"^ '° "^^ <^f«™^' P">-Po^e which he purposed
^.^2n,s,, 1. 9 ^ao shall be punished with everlasting de^truo-
,.^^1 Tim. 6. 12 tight the good tight of faith, lay hold on eternal
theworidbV^an""'' °' ''<^""" "'«. which God promised before
-4'^o:.:L^^iZ^^^^:^^^-r^e the author of eternal
spot-,oV,^o^l.°' *™"^" ^'^ <^t--'-^' Spin-t, otrered himself without
fore\;^r!""'- '' ^'™ '^""'"■" ''^ '^e word of God, which abideth
5. 10 Who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus
196
ORDINANCES, ETC., ETERNAL.
2 Peter 2. 17 to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.
1 John 1. 2 shew unto you that eternal life which was with the
Father.
2. 25 this is the promise he hath promised us, even eternal life.
3. 15 110 murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
5. 11 this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. 13, 20.
2 John 2. for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall
be with us forever.
Jude2[. looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto
eternal life.
Rev. 7. 12 honor, power and might be unto our God forever.
10. 6 sware by him that liveth forever that time shall be no
longer.
22. 5 for the Lord God giveth them light, and they sliall reign
forever.
Bfiok d£ JEormoit.
1 Nephi 10. 19 wherefore the course of God is one eternal round.
11. 21 the Lamb of God even the Son of the eternal Father.
32 the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world.
2 Nephi 1. 19 his ways are righteousness for ever.
2. 4 for the Spirit is the same yesterday, to-day and forever.
12 must needs destroy the wisdom and eternal purposes of God.
9. 13 all men became incorruptible, immortal, living souls.
16 it is his eternal word and cannot pass away.
39 to be spiritual minded is life eternal.
11. 5 the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
Jacob 2. 21 created them to keep his commandments and glo-
rify him forever.
Mas. 5. 15 ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.
16. 11 if good to the resurrection of endless life; If evil to the
resurrection of endless damnation.
Alma. 34. 14 the great, last, infinite and eternal sacrifice will be
the Son of God.
Mormon 5. 14 may bring about his great and eternal purposes
IDoctriiiie anb €^obtuantj5.
Sec. ] . 15 have broken mine everlasting covenant.
(). 7 he that hath eternal life is rich. 11. 7.
14. 7 eternal life the greatest of all the gifts ot God.
20. 28 which Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite
and eternal.
22. 1 this is a new and everlasting covenant, which was from
the beginning.
39. 1 the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity.
45. 8 to them that believed on my name gave I power to ob-
tain eternal life.
56. 11 though heaven and earth pass away, these words shall
not pass away.
76. 4 from eternity to eternity he is the same.
ORDINANCES, ETC., ETERNAL. 197
to com" **"^ ^'^ *^'''^- '"'*^*«'^ "'■« «'• <i«'i»»^. "^'-"Ss Pre,sent or
^2 '^l^-fjl cl^yell in the presence ot God and his Christ forever
109 // 1 the earth in Jts sanctified, immortal and eternarttatP
20-th\rbodTp"r.f Ih^f ,"' ?.f «t«.™"y in the midst of all things.
li oil ti,^ of the celestial kingdom maj' possess it forever
tni 0 ""f '"■*' 'y ''■"' '^"'1 °f l"m. even God. forever '°"^®'®"^-
• 101. 22 aiul worship me accordins? to mine everiastino: Gosnol
lo/'J 'k'1"','^' 2' ^"'"^ss from everlastim; t« everlast S ^
people. ^'''°^'^ """^ *' "'^™''' ^^'^^'^■^ the wron^'-of thy
etefnalGod""^ '" '''''* '''^''^^ '^"^' ordained in the council of the
1^^- ?o Is' *°,?'?,"^"'^ creations declare his name forever
^^;,}^ ^^^'^f, '.i""'!?^ '^ continuation of the seeds for evir"
20 then shall they be gods, because tliev hare no end
24 this IS eternallives to know the onlV wise and true God
4b whosesoever sms ye remit shall be remitted eteriiany
f tarl of ^itnt f rut.
out^end.i^"*'"''' '' "^^ °*™^- ^^' ''''"-^'' «"'' ^ords are with-
^^9^ repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forever-
nJliil^t^^o'^iZ'^Ze"' '''^^^^ '"■'^ "' ""•« --■"! --<^ eter.
forever^^ '^'"''^ "^ *^ ^''*^'' '^"'^ *<= ^on from henceforth and
and'etlmlTis m^J name'Sso°" "" ^'"'""'^ "^ ■''" <"«""y. -^-^less
sweTlelL°^v\i:reir,ir'''*^' '°^' '*^ "™^- '^""'^ ''-^'
rtfey^^^SilTavlXW?^^^^^^^^^^^
conti^^e^d X ^r^ll^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^
gS PASSOVER OR SACRAMENT,
PASSOVER OR SACRAMENT.
"This word (passover) comes from the Hebrew
verb, pasach, which signifies to pass, to leap, or skip
over. They gave the name of Passover to the feast
which was estabhshed in commemoration of the com-
ing forth out of Egypt, because the night before their
departure, the destroying angel, who slew the first-
born of "the Egyptians, passed over the Israelites, be-
cause they were marked with the blood of the lamb
which was killed the evening before; and which for
this reason was called the Paschal Lamb;" Cruden's
Con,
We have an account of the institution of the
Passover in the twelth chapter of Exodus. The
Lord commanded Israel, saying, ^*And the day shall
be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a
feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye
shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever:" verse
14. This command rather implies that there might
be a change in the manner and time of keeping this
passover, by the house of Israel. The essential
part of it is that it shall be kept by a feast forever.
That the passover, as instituted the evening be-
fore the departure of Israel out of Egypt, was typical
of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, appears to be
the generally received opinion of all who have faith in
the Bible and its institutions. It is evident that the
apostle Paul entertained this view of the subject
when he made the following assertion, '^ For even
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us;" i Cor, 5. 7.
That our Savior considered the ordinance of the
passover a part of the Mosaic law which was to be
done away in his sufl'erlngs and death, is evident
trom the wish, which he expressed to his disciples,
while keeping: the passover with them the evening
PASSOVER, OR SACRAMENT. Igy
before his death, « With desire I have desired to eat
diis passover with you before I suffer;" Luke 22 ic
The type was no longer needed and the ordinance
was changed to commemorate the great sacrifice he was
about to make. Hence, he commanded his disciples
0° hhli ""^^ "^'"^ '° •'emembrance
th.^^ cannot do better than to insert here, verbatim,
the account of the first administration of the sacra-
ment among the Nephites, by our Savior. "Audit
came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that
they should bnng forth some bread and wine unto
him. And while they were gone for bread and wine
he commanded the multitude that they should sit
themselves down upon the earth "
"And when the disciples had come with bread
Wesse^'dh'.nHh''"'' ""^'^'^ \^^^^ ^"d brake and
!i 7i .i ^"^1 ^^ ^^"^ ""'° the disciples, and com-
manded that they should eat. And when thev h?d
eat, and were filled, he commanded that they shouW
give unto the multitude. And when the multhude had
ea en and were filled he said unto the discip"es be
hold there shall one be ordained among you and to
him will I give power that he shall break bread and
bless It and give it unto the people of my chuich
mvl"l''°'' "'° ^''=^^' '^'^"^^^ ^'d be ba'ptized i^;
my name,
"And this shall ye always observe to do, even as 1
have done, even as I have 'broken bread, and Messed
It, and gave it unto you. And this shall ye do in re
membrance ot my body, which I have shewn unto
n'v.l"^"'^^" be a testimony unto the Father
that ye do always remember me. And if ve do al
^i^^yr '"''•■ ™'' '^ ^^^'^ '-- -y Spi^ft t be
.ordtt^Joran^^d^^l^d^'^cipre'rt'iiat^thlfsfolH^
take of the wine of the cup, an7dH„k 0/ itL^'^hlil
mi7ht1rTnk of U ^a' ,""/" "^'^ '"""''"d^- 'h"t tty
sTand did'dlk-oft and we"e fine'^d^'ancHh^^ '''
unto the multitude, and they d[d 5S; ^^J IVy feL'
2O0 PASSOVER OR SACRAMENT.
filled. And when the disciples had done this Jesus
said unto them, Blessed are ye tor this thing which
ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandment,
and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are
willing to do that which I have commanded you. And
this shall ye always do to those who repent and are
baptized in my name ; and ye shall do it in remem-
brance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that
ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always re-
member me. And if ye do always remember me, ye
shall have my Spirit to be with you. And I give unto
you a commandment that ye shall do these things.
And if ye shall always do these things, blessed are
ye, for ye are built upon my rock;'' 3 Nephi 18.
I — 12.
•
Lev. 23. 5 the fourteenth day of the first, month is the Lord's
passover.
Nxum, 9. 5 they kept the passover at even. Jo^h. 5. 10.
33. 8 on the morrow after the passover Israel went out of
Egypt.
Beui. 16. 2 place the Lord should choose, Israel was to sacrifice
the passover. 5.
2 King8 23. 22 not holden such a passover from the days of the
Judges.
2 Chron. 35. 1 — 19 a description of the solemn passover of Jo-
siah.
Em-a 6. 19, 20 the children of the captivity kept the passover.
Ezek. 45. 21 ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days.
Matt. 26. 17 — 29 Christ kept the passover, with his disciples, the
evening before his death. Mark 14. 12—25. Luke 22. 8—38.
Luke 24. 30, 31 Christ made himself known to his disciples by
the breaking of bread.
John 2. 13 and the Jews* passover was at hand.
6. 53—58 he that eateth the flesh and drinketh the blood of
Christ hath eternal life.
11. 55 many went to Jerusalem, before the passover, to purify
themselves.
18. 39 have a custom that I should release one unto you, at
the passover.
19. 14 and it was the preparation of the passover.
Acts2. 46 they continued daily in breaking bread. 20. 7.
1 Cor. 11. 23—30 the same night in which he was betraj'^ed took
bread.
Heb. 11. 28 through faith he kept the passover.
MILLENNIAL REIGN. 201
Boofe of iEormon,
fNepM 18. 27-30 none to eat and drink unworthily
amtng'u'eNlphites!"'"'''^'^ "'" sacrament, the sei^ond time,
f fiTi^*;r,li^*;™?u°*'^f.'''^'"""^'^"n^ the sacrament.
6. 6 did meet together oft to partalce of bread and wine.
Jloctrinj anir eCobtitants.
taw br.SdS'^^fSe.*'^'* "'^ ''''"''' ™«^* *"S'''"«'- <^«. «° P^-
V-T^'^-^^^ f?™ °^ administering the sacrament.
;«■ 7 '* "^'I'ters not what we eat and drinlc in the sacrament
46. 1 those who lia\e trespassed to malre reconciliatioir
See Sermon J,y yos. F. Smith, J. of D., Vo/. /,-, page ?v.
Arhcle by J. G. B., MU. Star, Vol. 34, pages^L '^^ '
MILLENNIAL REIGN.
The inspired writings teach u.s that, at the second
J'hT'".^*?' ^i^r'*' ^'^ ■''^'-" "f ^ thousand years, on
the earth, will commence. A veritable kin-don of
the house of Israel will have been prepared to re-
ceive him. ^ ^
.i..')'^!"^- ^?i" °u ™?" ^'^^^'^ ^«'^<^ ^own in heaven,
clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the
kingdom of God which is set up on the earth ;"/?"-
f f"' K^- -n''^ kingdom of God in heaven and
on the earth vyill then unite and constitute but one
knigdom. "The kingdoms of this world are be'
come the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ;
ancl he shall reign for ever and ever;" Rev. 11 ic
<' S^il?'K ^'''''•^ \'^^'^c ^^'\ '" ^'^^ fi''s' resurrection,
Shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shal
rei-n with him a thou.sand years-" -'o 6
202 MILLENNIAL REIGN,
The earth will go tlnough a purifying process to
fit it for the residence of its millennial inhabitants.
'^ Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and
the former shall not be remembered;'' Isa. 65. 17.
That this passage refers to the preparation for the
millennium is evident by the twentieth verse: '* There
shall be no mo^'e thence an infant of days, nor an old
nian that hath not filled his days: for the child shall
die a hundred years old ; but the sinner bemg a
hundred years old shall be accursed."
This view of the subject is also presented to us
in a revelation to Joseph, the Seer: '• Old things
shall pass away, and all things become new.
* "•'• * And he that liveth when the Lord shall
come, and has kept the faith, blessed is he ; neverthe-
less it is appointed to him to die at the age of man;
wherefore children shall grow up until they become
old, old men shall die;" Doc, &^ Cov. 63. 49 — 51.
There are three conditions of the earth spoken of
in ihe inspired writings — the present, in which every-
thing pertaining to it must go through a change
which we call death; the millennial condition in
which it will be sanctified for the residence of purer
intelligences, some mortal and some immortal, and
the celestial condition spoken of in the twenty-first
and twenty-second chapters of Revelation, which
will be one of immortality and eternal life.
When Christ's reign is fully established on the
earth, there will be two capitals to his immense em-
pire— Jerusalem on the eastern hemisphere and Zion
on the western. *^When the Lord of hosts shall
reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem;" Isa. 24. 23.
"For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word
of the Lord from Jerusalem;" 2. 3.
In this, "The fulness of times when Christ shall
have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall
have^ perfected his work, when he shall deliver up the
kingdom, and present it to the Father spotless,
then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory,
to sit on the throne of his power to reign forever
and ever;" Doc, &^ Cov., y6. 106 — 108.
The prophet Daniel speaks of this s:reat event:
MILLENNIAL REIGN.
203
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the
Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and
came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him
near before him. And there was given him dominion,
and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations,
and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an
everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and
his kingdom ///<3:/ which shall not be destroyed;" 7.
13, 14. This passage evidences that Christ's reign
on the earth will be real and tangible; and that his
kingdom will embrace a great variety of nations and
peoples, and that he is also subservient to bis
Father.
The following passage, with its context, is a beau
tiful description of the final coming of our Lord, and
of his reign on the earth:
'^That my people may gird up their loins, andte
looking fonh for the time of mv coming; for there
shall be my Tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion
a New Jerusalem. And the Lord said unto Enoch,'
Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there
and we will receive them into our bosom, and thev
shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and
they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each
other; and there shall be mine abode, and it shall be
Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations
which I have made; and for the space of a thousand
years shall the earth rest.
'^And it came to pass that Enoch saw the dav of
the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to
dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a
thousand years;" F. of G, P., page 22.
Tsa, 52. 7 that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth
menT" 6 ^' ^ ^ ^^^^ ^^'^^^ ^^^^" ^^^ ^^^^^ execute justice and judg-
¥"j' \ '^00^^ ^"2'^ ^?^}} ^^'^^ ^v^r <^^^em in Zion forever.
Luke 1 33 and he shall reign over the house of Israel forever
Rom. 15 12 he that shall risei reign over the Gentills.
1 ^■^- o- ?o H^^ ^^ ^^£^^ P^^ ^^ enemies under his feet.
2 Tim, 2. 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.
204 DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED.
Rei), 5. 10 made us kings and priests, and we sliall reign on the
earth,
20. 4 they lived and reigned with Clirist a thousand years.
21. 22, 27 description of the celestial earth.
Sec, 1. 36 the Lord shall reign in the midst of his Saints.
29. 11 and dwell in righteousness with men on the earth a
thousand years.
43. 30 for the great Millennium of which I have spoken shall
come.
45. 59 the Lord shall be their kinor and lawaiver.
5fi. 18 shall see the kingdom of God come in power and great
glory.
58. 22 until he reigns whose right it is to rule.
133. 25 the Savior shall reign over all flesh.
See Sermon by B, Youfi^s^, y, of />., Vol . z, />a^e /g9.
" O. Pratt, •* " i6, *' 3J2,
M «. «. .. II jg^ .1 ^j.^^^
ff (( II If (I (( II ooc
ArtirJr. Mi/, Star, Vol. 7, f^aors ,/ arrd 77.
'• by O, Pratt, Mil, Sl.ir, Vol. 28, pa ere ^6t,
DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED.
Passages are numerous in the inspired writings
which assert that the wicked shall be destroyed. The
prophet Isaiah, speaking of the latter limes, says,
" Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her
converts with righteousness. And the destruction
of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be to-
gether, and they that forsake the Lord shall be con-
sumed;" I. 27, 28.
The Lord further declared through the same
prophet, that, because the inhabitants of the earth
DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED. 205
had defiled it, the curse had devoured it; "And they
that dwell therein are desolate;" 24. 5^ 6. '-p^or,
behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish
the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;" 26. 21.
Many ot the sayings concerning- the destruction
ot the wicked are general in their application, to all
times in which wickedness is prevalent. But there
are many passages in the inspired wriiin.os which
point to the latter times for a general destruction of
the ungodly, and the cleansing of the earth from
wickedness.
The following from Isaiah are of this character.
''For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations,
and his fury upon all their armies. * ^ For it is the
day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recom-
pense for the controversy of Zion;" 34. 2 8.
'' For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead
with aU hesh: and the slain ol the Lord shall be
many;" 66. 16.
The Book of Boc, &^ Cov. being a record of reve-
lations concerning the dispensation of the fulness of
times, It says much concerning the destruction of the
wicked, and the redemption of man, and of the earth.
It is evident that the visions of the prophet
Joseph were vivid and well defined on this subject
for the Lord said through him, ''The hour is nigh'
and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe: and
all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as
stubble, and I Will burn them up, saith the Lord of
hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth-"
29. 9, 14—21. ^'ec. 64. 24.
The records of the times are a daily testimony of
the fulfilment ol tlie following: ''And in that day
shal be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the
whole earth shal be in commotion, and men's hearts
shall fail them;" sec, 45. 26. And men shah be
s anding in that generation in which these things
shall appear, -'Ihat shall not pass, until they shall see
an overfiowing scourge ; for a desolating sickness shall
cover the land;" verse 1^1.
"Among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices,
and curse Cod and die. And there shall be earth-
206 DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED.
quakes also in divers places, and many desolations;
yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they
will take up the sword, one against another, and they
will kill one another;" verses 32, 34.
The testimony of the elders is the great prepara-
tory work for the destruction of the wicked in this
dispensation. Their labors are ''To bind up the law
and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints
for the hour of judgment which is to come;" sec. 88.
84. And, after their testimony, "cometh wrath and
indignation upon the people;" verse 88.
The testimonies that will follow the testimony of
the elders are fearful to contemplate: **For after your
testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that
shall cause groanings in the m.idst of her (the earth),
and men shall fall to the ground, and shall not be able
to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice
of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the
voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the
sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all
things shall be in commotion; and surely men's hearts
shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people;"
sec. 88. 89 — 91.
These testimonies are becoming historical facts.
The words ot the ancient prophets are being fulfilled.
That Joseph Smith, Jun., saw and predicted their
fulfilment, evidences the divinity of his mission.
Job 4. 8 they that so-^i wickedness reap the iiame.
18. 5—21 curses on the wicked. Chap. 20. 4—29.
Psalm 1. 4, 5 nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous
2. 4, 5 the Lord shall have them in derision.
7. 11—16 God is angry with the wicked every day.
9. 17 the wicked shall be turned into hell.
37. 28 the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
35, 36 I have seen the wicked in great power, and he passed
away.
78a. 2. 19 they shall go into holes of the rocks and caves of thn
earth.
18. 6 the carcasses of the wicked shall be left to the beasts ot
the earth.
24 1 — 12 the earth is made empty, because both priests and peo-
ple have gone astray,
28. 22 a consumption determined upon the whole earth..
DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED. 20'/
29. 20 for the terrible one is brought to nought.
21 that make a man an oftender for a word.
63. 1—6 the wicked kingdoms shall be broken. Jer. 25. 80—38.
Dan. 2. 44.
Jer. 23. 19, 20 a whirlwind shall fall on the head of the wicked.
Mai. 4. 1 the day cometh that shall burn them up, saith the
Lord of hosts.
Matt 13. 49 the angels shall sever the wicked from the just.
Luke'2A. 25,26 signs in the sun and moon and stars. Men's
hearts failing them.
1 Peter 4:. 17 judgment must first begin at the house of God.
Mev. 2. 23 I will kill her children with death.
8. 7 the plagues of hail, fire and blood, 8.
Chap. 9. the plagues of the last days.
Chap. 16. the seven vials of wrath poured out.
Chap. 17. the great mystery, Babylon.
18. 1—24 the fall of Babylon.
19. 20, 21 the destruction of the beast and the false prophet.
Book of JHormoTt.
1 Nephi 11. 36 all nations to be destroyed that fight against the
apostles of the Lamb.
14. 3 the great and abominable church destroyed.
6 wo to the Gentiles ! If they harden their hearts against the
Lamb of God.
17 the wrath of God poured out upon the mother of harlots
22. 13 that great and abominable church shall be drunken
with her own blood.
14 those that fight against Israel shall be turned one against
another.
23 all churches not built up in righteousness to be consumed
as stubble.
2 Nephi 6. 15 those who do not believe in Christ shall be des-
troyed.
9. 16 the filthy shall go into everlasting fire.
27 wo unto him that has the commandments of God, and trans-
gresseth them.
26. 3—6 terrible destruction of the wicked at the crucifixion
of Christ, d Nephi, Chapters S. 9. 10.
27. 1, 2 in the last days all nations shall be drunken with ini-
quity, and be visited with terrible de-truction.
Mas. 15. 26 those who have known the commandments of God,
and not kept them, shall have no part in the first resurrection.
16. 1, 2 when all shall see that the judgments of God are just,
the wicked shall be cast out.
Alrna 5. 57 the names of the wicked shall be blotted out.
9. 2S those who have been evil shall reap the damnation of
their souls.
11. 41 the wicked remain as though there bad been no redemp-
tion made.
12 16 he that dieth in his sins, shall die as to things pertaining
to righteousness. 17, 18.
40 13 those -vho choose evil to be cast into outer darkness
14. 26.
2o8 DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED.
41. 4 those who work evil shall have evil restored to them. 5.
Heh 14. 18 those who do not repent are hewn down and cast
into the fire.
3 Nephl 20. 23 every soul that will not hear that prophet shall
be cut off. Deut 18. 15. Acts B. 22, 23.
Mormon, Chapters 2—6. great destruction of the Nephites for
their wickedness.
Ether 11. 7 great descruction of the Jaredites for their wicked-
ness.
Sec. 85. 11 without faith nothing shall be shown except desola*
tion on Babylon.
56. 1 in the day of visitation and of wrath on the nation*^.
63. 6 the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind.
32, 33.
Sec. 87. concerning the wars that shall come to pass, beginning
at South Carolina.
88. 79 the wars and perplexities of nations.
97. 21—24 the Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by
day.
101. 14 mine indignation is soon to be poured out upon all na-
tions. 89.
103. 2 on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure.
112. 24 vengeance comet] i speedily on the inhabitants of the
earth. 25, 26.
130. 12 the beginning of the wars of the latter times to be in
South Carolina.
133. 2 the Lord shall come down with a curse to judgment.
136. 35 now cometh the day of their calamity.
^jearl of (fiirjeat ^xiu.
Page 20. the blood of the righteous to be shed in the meridian
of time, in the days of wickedness and vengeance.
21. the Lord to come in the last days, in the days of wickedness
and vengeance. The earth shall rest; but before that day there
shall be great tribulations among men.
22. Enoch saw the coming of the Son of man in the last days,
but, before that day, he saw great tribulation among the wicked.
He saw that the sea was troubled, and men's hearts failed them
with fear for the judgment of Almighty God.
1^8. the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the
prophet, before the destruction of Jerusalem
39. before the coming of the Son of Man in the last days, na-
tion shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
there shall be famine, and pestilences, and earthq\iakes, in divers
places. The Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all na-
tions, for a witness, and again shall the abomination of desolation
spoken of by Daniel the prophet be fulfilled.
MIRALCES,
209
See History of Joseph Smith, yuly 2, i8jg,
d' /'r .. " May 18, 184J.
, Spencer\. Letters to Rev. Wm. Crowe!; No. 11,
(,/". l^futl s I/O ice 0/ Warning,
/
IRACLES,
To mortal man the creation of the earth was a
mysterious miraculous work. «God said letThere
be light and there was light." To the uninsoiied th^
production of that light Remains a superna°ura mani!
testa .on ot power. From that time to thirthe
C.ea or has been the same wonder working God.
_ He Mosaic dispensation opened up with mi^htv
miracles in the land of E<jvnt. To IsrnJ W^*f ^
hundred years, the Lord fi^oli waJa God oVm I'ac eT
Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews, well understood
he power ot the Priesthood%s man fested n the h^s
tory ot his fathers, when he said to Jesus, "No man
'^^''^^i:^^ ^-^^ ^--' except^°od"^^e
The Jews had faith in miracles as a witness that a
man was sent of God. "Many of the people be
eved on him, and said, when Christ cometh will he
don""", -[-'-^han these which this'lrSath
uone.^ 7 31 Ihe Gospel dispensation, like thp
Mosaic which preceded it, was one of mi aculou.
manifestations. When les us s^n^ ^.,f u- i? . ^^^
10 preach the GospeThi' said' to\hl'"Hea? the
sick cleanse the lepers, raise the dead ca^t out
devds; freely ye have received, freely give ^"l.T
rf.-c J*"^ ^°'^'^ ""^ Mormon evidences that the Mosair
dispe^sauon, among the Nephites, *« ZT^^^
2IO MIRACLES.
miraculous manifestations. The Gospel dispensa-
tion, among them, was preceded and ushered in, by
miraculous wonders which involved the destruction of
the wicked, and increased the knowledge and faith of
those who had the testimony of Jesus.
We have the testimony of the writings of Moses,
of tlie prophets, of ancient Israel on both continents,
of both Gospel dispensations as recorded in the New
Testament and Book of Mormon, that the God of
Israel, and of former day saints, was a God of mira-
cles, of signs, and wonders. We have the testimony
of many thousands of Latter-day Saints, that God
manifests himself to them as he did to his people
anciently.
The Revelation of St. John assures us, that there
will be many miraculous manifestations of the power
of God in the last days. The sacred records every-
where evidence, that God is a God of miracles. No
people can claim to be saints of the Most High with-
out ihe testimony of miracles.
At the same time there may be miraculous mani-
festations that are not of God, for in the latter times
one of the beasts which John saw, will have power to
do great wonders and deceive them that dwell on the
earth; Rev, 13. 13, 14.
John also saw the splits of devils working miracles ;
16. 14. The magicians worked miracles in common
with Moses and Aaron, but Aaron's rod swallowed
up their rod. Thus it will ever be. The devil may
have great power over the elements, and over the
hearts of men, but the Lord will come off conqueror.
The elect will never be deceived for they will discern
the. difference between the two powers. Whoever
is sent of God will work miracles, in the name of
Jesus, and no man can work miracles in the name of
Jesus, '* Save he were cleansed every whit from his
Iniquity;'' -^NephiZ. i — 3.
There are two classes of miracles. One, mani-
festing the power of God in the destruction of the
wicked, the other a means of preserving, blessing,
and confirming the saints in the faith. If there &
no faith God can do no miracles; Ether 12. 12. Tnc:
MIRACLES. 211
apostle Paul declared that the power to work mira-
cles was one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit; i Cor.
12. lo. Hence we may conclude that this gift will
be ever manifest where the Holy Ghost is con-
ferred by the authority of the Holy i'riesthood.
Gen. 15. 17 a smoking furnace and a burnins- lamp passed be-
tween the pieces.
ly. 11 the men of Sodom smitten with blindness.
24, 20 the Lord destroyed the cities of the plain.
2G Lot's wife turned into a pilkir of salt.
Exo. 3. 2 the angel appeared to Moses in a burning bush.
4. o Mosfts' rod transformed into a serpent.
0 Moses' hand became leprous.
Chapters 7— 12 a history of the wonders which the Lord
wrought, in the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt.
13. 21, 22 the Lord went before Israel in a pillar of a cloud by
day. ^ ^
14. 19, 20 the pillar of a cloud covered the Egyptians with
clarkness.
2i— SO Israel passed through the Eed Sea, but the Egyptians
were destroyed.
15. 25 the waters of Marah sweetened.
16. 10 the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud.
13—15 Israel fed on quails and manna.
23. 24 a double quantity of manna sent for the Sabbath.
17. G water brought forth from the rock in Horeb
19. 16 thunderings and lightnings and a thick cloud on the
mount.
18 Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke.
24. 15, 16 a cloud covered the mount six days
17 the sight of the glory of the Loid was like devpuring fire.
18 Mosses was in the mount forty days and lortylfights.
m. 28 Moses was In the mount forty days without food. DcuL
J. IS.
40. 34 a cloud covered the tent of the congregation.
38 the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by dav, and fire
by night. * '
Lev. 10. 1, 2 Nadab and Abihu destroyed. Num. 3 4
^um 11. 1—3 the fire of the Lord burnt among Israel.
-Ti-";!^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^'^ ^^^ <^'^^P of Israel and a great plague
12. 10 Miriam struck with leprosy. 14, 15 healed of leprosy.
}r r/ ,? ,P^^'^ ^^^^^ brought an evil report died of a plague.
lb. IG— 3a Korah and company destroyed. Chap. 26. 10.
4b~50 the Loijd sent a plague among the congregation.
1/. 8 the rod for the tribe of Levi budded.
20. 11 Moses smote the rock and the water came out.
21. 0—9 the plague of fiery serpents.
^ 22. 28 the Lord opened the mouth of Baalam's ass. 2 Peter
25. 9 24,000 of Israel destroyed by a plague.
212 MIRACLES.
Deut. 29. 5 the clothes of Israel did not grow old.
31. 15 the Lord appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a
cloud.
Josh. 3. 14—17 the waters of Jordan divided and Israel passed
through.
6. 20 the walls of Jericho Ml down.
7. 14—21 the theft ol Achan discovered.
10. 11 the enemies of Israel destroyed by hailstones.
12—14 the sun stood still and the moon stayed.
Judges 6. 21 lire consumed tbe flesh and unleavened bread of
Gideon.
36 — 40 the sign given by a fleece of wool.
7. 6, 7 three hundred of Gideon's men lapped water.
14. 5, 6 Samson slew a lion. 19.
15. 14 the cords on the arms ot Samson became as flax burnt
with fire.
15 Samson slew a thousand Philistines with the jaw bone of an
ass.
19 water came out of the jaw-bone for Samson.
10. 29, 30 Samson slew many Philistines at the time of his
death.
1 Sam. 5. 4 Dagon falls and is broken before the ark of God.
6, 7 the men of Ashdod smitten on account of the ark.
9—12 the cities of Gath and Ekron smitten on account of the
ark.
28. 11—14 the witch of Endor brought up Samuel.
2 Sam. 6. 7 the Lord smote Uzziah for taking hold of the ark.
24. 12—25 the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel, which destroyed
seventy thousand men. 1 Ckron. 21. 14.
1 Kings 8. 11 the glory of the Lord had filled the house.
2 Cliron. 5. 13, 14.
13. 4 — 6 Jeroboam's hand dried up and restored again.
24 a prophet slain by a lion, for disobedience.
17. 6 Elijah fed by ravens,
14—16 the widow's barrel of meal and cruise of oil that did
not fail by using.
21, 22 the widow's child brought to life.
18. 38 the fiife of tlie Lord consumed Elijah's offering.
41 — 46 rain came in answer to the prayer of Elijah.
19. 6 — 8 Elijah fed by an angel, after which lie fasted forty
days.
20. 35, 36 a man slain by a lion for not obeying a prophet.
22, 20—23 the Lord put a lying spirit into the prophets of Ahab.
2 Kings. 1. 9 — 14 two companies, of fifty men each, destroyed
by fire.
2. 8 the waters of Jordan divided, and Elijah passed through.
11 Elijah went up in a chariot with horses of fire.
14 Elisha smote the waters of Jordan with the mantle of
Elijah.
20—22 the waters of Jericho healed by Elisha.
23, 24 forty-two children torn by bears, because they mocked
Elisha.
3. 16—20 the armies of Israel and Edom supplied with water.
4. 1—7 the widow's pot of c^il increased, so as to pay the debts
of her husband.
32—37 the son of the ShumAnite brought to lift
MIRALCES.
213
38-41 the. poison removed from the pot of pottage
t'^Tf^.^^^ ^^^*^^^^ ^^1^1^ niii^aculously fed
6 14 J^aaman healed of leprosy by washing in Jordan
^7 the servant ot Elisha cursed with the leprosy of Isaaman
b. 5—7 an axe floats in the water - ^ y ^^ xNaaman.
1/ the servant of Elisha saw horses and chariots of fire
18 ihe Syrians smitten with blindness
of Eli.^L'' ^""^^ '*'''" ''^'^''^ ^^ '^''''''"^' '''■ ^^^'^^^^^ ^^t^ t^^e bones
20 u fhV uf 1 ""' ^^'^ ^f r^ '''^^^^^ "''^ Assyrians. 2 Chro7i. 32. 21.
2 CvLi^z ? t^i'^.^L'^^^'S^'"^'' ^^'^ '^^'-^^^^^ ^^^ the dial of Ahaz
Baorifice '^'''''' ^'^"^ i^Q'^y^n and consumed the
^?' i^f' ^iV?i^^^^ destroyed a great army in defence of Judah.
vr' ]u~i ^^^i^^,^"? smitten witli disease of the bowels
r 7 1 n..^^]? ^t Judah struck with leprosy lor burnino- incon^'p
varus ' '^'' ^^^'^ ^^^^'^ ^^^"^^ ^P the sSep^aSrser--
nari!'"^' ^' "^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ Israelites delivered from the fiery fur-
m}^~Z-%^o^?^^^ delivered from the den of lions.
li A d'J i^P?"" .^??l^^/ ^^ f^^nturion's servant healed.
14, lo Jesus healed Peter's wife's mother.
2b Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea
28-o4 devils entered into the herd of swine.
o.\ %:? ^ ^^^^ ^^^^ with palsy, healed.
v'i~r- a woman healed ot an issue of blood.
Z-Za S? ^i^i^^ -^ daughter niised from the dead.
I9"~ic, wtf'^^'Ti''^'^:.^^^^- 32-34 devil cast out.
l^' hiinH i T? ^'"^/'^ restored. 15 the multitudes healed
22 blind and aumb lunatic healed ^cti^,u.
14. 14 Jesus healed the sick of the multitude.
2r27 ip«^n?woif^^ ^^^.^^ ^^^ ^O'^^^'^s ^nd two fishes.
20—27 Jesus walked on the water
?^ ^^^''th??^''' touched the hem of Jesus' garment were 1 ealed
10. 28 the Canaamtish woman's daughter healed
0-' o/,l^^^ hea ed some blind and dumb of the multitude
nlf IR f)^}.':''''^^ '"'\^^ '^-^^^ 1^^^^^ ^^^ a few fishes
1^. 11— IS Jesus cures a lunatic.
2/ tribute money taken from a fish.
i^' fA~f^ *^^ ^^^^^ ^^" restored to sight.
^^^J^^^'^"^^ -^ ^-- - the temple.
SlVm-i^nfTh??'"''' ?^' ^^^^'^^^^ at the crucifixion.
J^arfl 23 If.;'?^ '^''^•- •^^- 'i^ great earthquake.
Ma?L 1. 2d— 2G unclean spirit rebuked
4. 31 Jesus reouked the wind and the sea.
"8 29 9^ Iv 1''''^' '"''" ^'?^'^^^ ^^<^ ^^s speech restored.
r 7 T*^^o?^^"^^ ^^^^^ received his sight ^^''"^^u.
2 t'.^S^-^'^ Zacharias struck duTnb.
7 irt^^^""'-^ ^/ the Lord shone round about them.
7. 10_ OeMurion's servant healed
14, Id widow's son raised from the dead
21 many cured of their infirmities and plagues
U ^ ii^^'^'TS^ ^^^^^^ of a spirit of infirmity
14. 2-4 man healed ol the dropsy. ^iiixmity.
214 MIRACLES.
17. 12--14 ten lepers. healed.
John 2. 6—10 water turned into wine.
4. 49 — 53 nobleman's son healed.
5. 8, 9 the impotent man healed.
9. 6, 7 the blind man Tiealed by washing in the pool of Siloam.
11. 43, 44 Lazarus raised from ihe dead.
Acts 3. 6—8 a lame man healed.
5. 3. 10 Ananias and wife killed lor lying.
15, 1() the sick of the multitude healed.
18. 19 an angel delivered the apostles from prison.
8. 7 unclean spirits cast out. and many healed.
9. 1--8 miraculous conversion of Saul.
17. 18 Saul receives his sight. Chap. 22. 13.
34' Eneas healed of tlie palsy.
40, 41 Dorcas raised from the dead.
12. 7—10 Peter delivered from prison by an angel.
21—23 Herod smitten by an angel.
14. 8 — 10 impotent man healed by Paul.
16. IG— 18 Paul cast the spirit of divination out of a damsel.
26 — 30 Paul and Silas delivered from prison.
19. 11, 12 many miracles wrought by Paul.
20. 10—12 the young man restored who fell from an upper
window.
28. 3—5 Paul received no injury from a viper on his hand.
8 Paul heals the father of Publius. 9^
Book of ptormotr.
1 Ncphi 1.6 a pillar of fire appeared before Lehi.
16. ]0 the Lord prepared a director to guide Lehi in his travels.
17. 45 the Lord spake to the brothers of Nephi and the earth
.sliook.
52—55 the brothers of Nephi dare not touch him for many
days.
18. 12 after Nephi was bound the compass ceased to work.
21 compass \vorked in the hands of Nephi. Through prayer
the storm ceased.
Mas. 27. 11 llie angel of the Lord spake to Alma and the earth
shook. Alma 36, 7.
19 Alma became dumb. Alma 36. 10.
Alma 8. 31 Alma and Amulek could not be slain.
14. 26 — 29 Alma and Amailek delivered from prison.
15. 6 — 11 Zeezrom healed through the mi]iistration of Alma.
17. 36—39 through a miraculous manifestation of strength,
Ammon saved the liocks of Lamoni.
18. 42 King Lamoni overcome by the power of God.
19. 1 — 12 miraculous conversion of Lamoni.
13—32 account of the conversion of the servants and wife of
Lamoni.
22. 17—25 miraculous conversion of the king of the land of
Nephi.
IM. 5. 20—52 Nephi and Lehi delivered from prison.
Chap. 9. miraculous manifestations connected with the murder
of the chief .judge.
16. 6, 7 miraculous preservation of the prophet Samuel.
RECORDS OF THE JAREDITES. 21 5
8 Nephi, Chapters 8, 9 and 10. an account of the destruction of
the wicked on the American continent, at the death of Christ.
19. 25 the countenance and garments of Jesus exceeding white.
20. 3—7 miraculous furnishing of bread and wine for sacra-
ment.
2G. 14—16 tongues of the Nephite children loosed.
18 many saw and heard remarkable things.
Chav. 28. account of the three Nephite disciples who were to
remain on the earth.
4 Ncpiri 1. SO the disciv>les delivered from prison.
I'Jther 3. 1—6 the Lord prepared stones to" give light in the Ja-
redite vessels.
8—16 the brother of Jared saw the Lord.
RECORDS OF THE JAREDITES.
The book of Ether, now forming a part of the
Book of Mormon, is an abridgment of the original
book of Ether, the last historian of the Jarediles.
It was written by Moroni, durjng the period ot thirty-
six years, between the destruction of his people at the
great battle of Cumorah, A. C. 384, and the lime of
closing up the Nephite records, about A. C. 421.
At the time of writing it, approximately one thou-
sand years had passed away since the people, of
whom it gives a short account, were destroyed by a
civil war which was carried to the extreiiie of exter-
mination.
The account occupies about thirty-eight pages of
the present edition of the Book of Mormon. It
can only be considered an outline sketch of a peo-
ple who occupied North America, probably a little
over sixteen hundred years.
The Lord told the brother of Jared, the leader of
this early American colony, that '* There shall be
none greater than the nation which I will raise up
21 6 RECORDS OF THE JAREDITES.
unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth;''
Ether i. 43.
We cannot doubt but what this prophetic blessing
of the Lord upon them, when they were about- to
commence their long and tedious journey from the
tower of Babel, was amply fulfilled.
Their history informs us that they, in time, occu-
pied the continent from the Isthmus of Darien to
the great lake on the north, and that the states of
their vast empire occupied the shores of both the
eastern and western oceans.
Moroni says, *'I take mine account from the
twenty and four plates which were found by the people
of Limhi, which is called the Book of Ether;" Ether
I. 2. Some account of the finding of these plates
may be found in Mos. 8. 8 — ri. chap, 21. 25, 27.
The fact that these plates were called the Book of
Ether, after the last prophet and historian of the
Jaredites, indicates that they were an abridgment
from the general records of the Jaredites. The
Book of Ether bears the same relation to the general
Jaredite records, that the Book of Mormon does to
those of the Nephites.
Moroni states that he gives only a part of the
account of the Jaredites from the tower down to their
destruction; Ether 1.5. At the completion of this
record he says, '*And the hundredth part I have not
written;" 15. 33. From these statements it is evi-
dent that the Book of Ether, written by Moroni, is
a very limited abridgment of the record of Ether
contained on the twenty-four plates.
From the genealogy of Ether, given in the first
chapter of the book, we learn that he was the last of
the royal line of the Jaredites, as well as their last
historian.
In the days of the first Nephite king, called Mo-
siah, who reigned in the land of Zarahemla, there was
a stone brought to the city of Zarahemla, on which
was engraved a short account of the Jaredites; Omni
I. 20 — 22.
The twenty-four plates, and this stone, are the
only original records of the Jaredites of which we
RECORDS. 217
have any information. Moroni does not appear to
have made any use of this stone recoid in writing his
abridgment. ^
We are informed, in the Book of Ether, that the
twenty-four plates contained the visions of the brother
ot Jared; 4. 4—7. Therefore we may conclude, that
they are in the sealed portion of the plates from
which the Book of Mormon was translated, by
Joseph Smith, the Seer. ' ^
. 1 ^}%%y ^^^""^ evidently, an oricrjnal record from
which Ether wrote his account of the creation, and
the history of the world down to the tower. Probablv
this record is the one referred to by the dau^vhter of
king Jared, when she asked her father if he had not
read the record which their fathers had brought
across the great deep 8. 9. ^
To the student Who de'sires to dig deep, to learn
the inspired history of the earth and its inhabitants,
this short account of a great people, who occupied
r^orth America from about one hundred and twentv-
hve years after the flood, until some 600 B. C„ <rreatlv
increases the desire for further information colicern-
ing them.
RECORDS
MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE, BUT NOT IN IT.
%Tn 94 \"fi?i'r^''^^^-^ generations of Adam.
^; nr 'in J^^^,b<^ok Of tne covenant.
32 ai.'rT^o tho k.^/ testimony written on both sides.
?4w 21 11 ?.^.?^'7m '"^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ written.
t^^'a}- }o ^^S^ ^^.^^^^ ^^'^^' of the Lord.
Josh. iO 13 written m tlie book of Jasher 2 Sam 1 IS
was wrUten: '' '^' '^'^ '" "^^^^^ '''' manner of the'kingdom
21 6 RECORDS.
1 Kings 4. 82, 38 books containing three tliousand proverbs, a
thousand and five songs, a treatise on natural history and botany,
written by Solomon.
11. 41 book of the Acts of Solomon.
14. 19 book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel.
1 Chron. 29. 29 the book of Samuel the Seer, of Nathan the
prophet, and of Gad the Seer.
2 Chron. 9. 29 book of Nathan the prophet, the prophecy of Ahi-
jah, the Shilonite, and hi the visions of Iddo the Seer.
12, 15 book of Sliemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the Seer con-
cerning genealogies.
18. 22'the story of the prophet Iddo.
20. 84 tlie book of Jehu the son of Hanani.
24. 27 the story of the book of the kings.
26. 22 the Acts of Uzziah, written by Isaiah, son of Amoz.
28. 26 book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 35. 27. Chap.
36. 8.
83. 18, 19 life of Manasseh, the words of the Seers that spake to
him. in the book of the kings of Israel.
Jer. 36. 2 the words which Jeremiah wrote against Israel and
Judah, and all the nations, in the roll of a book.
18 tlie roll in which Baruch. the scribe, wrote.
Dan. 22. 4 the book that was sealed to the time of the end.
JIab. 2. 2 the vision tliat was made plain on tables.
Mai. 8. 16 the book of remembrance that was written for those
th it feared the Lord.
Luke 1. 1 many wrote concerning the faith of the early Saints.
1 Cor. 5. 9 a third epistle to the Corinthians; we have only two.
FhiUp. 4. 3 the book of life. Rev. 18. 8. Chap. 20. 12.
Col. 4. 16 read the epistle from Laodicea.
2 7'/m. i. 18 books and parchments left at Troas.
Jade 8 a second epistle of Jude; we have but one.
14 the prophecy of Enoch.
Rev 1. 11 the book sent to the seven churches of Asia.
5. 1 a book scaled with seven seals.
10. 2 little book which a mighty angel had in his hand,
20. 12 the books out of which the dead will be judged.
i
RECORDS Oi'' THE NEPHITES. 21 9
RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES.
The record of first importance to the Nephites
was that of the plates of brass, which was taken
from the treasury of Laban by Nephi. It contained
the five books of Moses, the history of the Jews
down to the reign of Zedekiah, and a genealogy of
the family of Lehi.
This record was invaluable to the Jewish-Ameri-
can colony as a means of perpetuating the religion,
customs and civilization of their fathers. Lehi
prophesied, in his first camp in the wilderness,
'' That these plates of brass should go forth unto all
nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of
his seed;" i Nephi 5.18. He further said "That these
plates of brass should never perish ; neither should
they be dimmed any more by time;" verse 19.
Nearly two thousand five hundred years have
passed away since this prophecy of Lehi's was
recorded, and we are assured that these plates
of brass are well preserved, and are yet
to come forth to all the tribes and peoples
of the aboriginal American race, and to all
the race of Lehi who may be scattered on the islands
of the sea. This record, on brass plates, was writ-
ten in the Egyptian language; Mos. i. 4. It appears
to have borne the same relationship to the Nephites,
that the Bible has to Christian nations, and to have
been not only their guide in religion, but also the
foundation of their ethics and jurisprudence.
From the first, Nephi was strongly impressed with
the importance of keeping a faithful record of his
people. He says in the beginning of his first book,
'^ I make a record in the language of my father,
which consists of the learning of the Jews, and the
language of the Egyptians;" i. 2. The Egyptian
220 RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES.
language must have had about the same revation to the
Jews, that the Latin has to modern Christian nations.
The purpose of the Lord, in inspiring Nephi to
make ample preparations for keeping a record of his
people, was gradually developed to him, for he says
in 9. 5, of his first book, ^' The Lord hath commanded
me to make these plates for a wise purpose^ in him;
which purpose I know not."
The importance of the future record of his people
was afterwards shown him in •vision: "For behold,
saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed,
that they shall write many things which I shall minis-
ter unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and
after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in un-
belief, and also the seed of thy brethren; behold,
these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the
Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb;" 13.
35. The remainder of this chapter further explains
this subject.
By reading the third chapter of 2 Nephi^ we learn
that this subject had become well developed in
the mind of Lehi before his death. Joseph, who was
sold into Egypt, had left on record a remarkable
prophecy — which was probably engraven on the
plates of brass — that the writing of the fruit of his
loins (the Book of Mormon), and the writing of the
fruit of the loins of Judah (the Bible), should not
only be joined together in the latter days, but that a
great Seer should be raised up who should write the
writing of the fruit of his loins for the benefit of his
brethren. Such a plain description is given of things
connected with this Seer, that we are perfectly safe
in concluding that he and Joseph Smith, Jun., are
identical.
From this time, during the existence of the Ne-
phi tes, the coming forth of their record to the Laman-
ites, and to their own posterity in the latter times,
was ever associated in the minds of the faithful, with
the Seer whom the Lord should raise up to bring
them forth. Both were the subject of their earnest
prayers, and called forth the exercise of a living
faith; Mormon^ 8. 25.
i
RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES. 221
The history of the Nephite-American colony
commences with their leaving Jerusalem, 600 B. C;
I Nephi 10. 4, and closed when Moroni finished the
record, from which the Book of Mormon was trans-
lated, and hid it up in the hill Cumorah, A. C. 421 ; a
period of one thousand and twenty-one years.
When Lehi and his colony left Jerusalem, the
renowned city of Babylon was in the height of its
s:lory, and the city of Rome had been founded only
one hundred and fifty years.
The importance of the Book of Mormon, as a
history, will be recognized by the fact that it is the
only history of the western hemisphere, known to
the world, for the long period of thirty-eight hundred
years between Noah's flood, and the discovery of
America by Christopher Columbus, in 1492.
Book' of i^tormoTT.
1 -"^f ^''(.f 3 the record of Laban. 4, 13, 19, 2n. amp. 4 10-27
historyVf Jews.\r'^ contained the five book, of mWs, and a
6. l^'^ "''' ^^^o^^^^ on the plates of brass very desirable. Chaji,
CJmp^^ 1-V^^ ""^ P^^*^' ^^^ '^^^^^ ^^''""S^^ the other historical.
38, 40, 41. *^^ ''^^'^''^ ^^""^ proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. 25.
Nephi.^^~^^ concerning the writings of the apostle John, and of
gethe?^'^'^' ^^ *^^ wi-^tings of Judah and Joseph to grow to-
theVaifofbr'i? 30-,!.^^^'^^^^ wilderness, the record on
20. 18 the Lm;tl will bring forth his word to the Jews 18-23
sealed up^ '^'^^' ^'^" ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ «hall be writtt^ and
ginning.'^O^Ig.^''''^ '^^^^ ^^ ^ revelation from God, from the be-
loi?4.^'''^^ '^""'^^ '^''^^ ^''^' ^^'"^ t^ t^^ e^^ds <^f the earth. 8,
comt?^rk\?>fhrLa^S^f II ^B^Ts^^ '^'^'^' ^^ P— <i to
manttS!" ^' ^ ^^"^ ^"^^^^ ^^^^""^ ^'^'^'^'' ^^^ the benefit of the La-
222 RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES^
Omni 1. 17 the people of Zarab.erala had no records. 18.
Words of Mormon 1. 1, 2 many years after the coming of Christ,
Mo -mon delivered the records to Moroni, and wrote these
*^ Words."
Mas. 2. 34 the people of Mosiah taught concerning the records
on the plates of brass.
8. 5 Limhi caused the records of his people to be brought to
Animon,
9 the people of Limhi discovered the records of the Jaredites.
10-19. Chap. 21. 27.
12. 8 leave a record which I will preserve for other nations.
Chap. 22. U,
25. 5, 6 the record of Zeniff and ot Alma. 28. 10—20.
Alma 22. 12. 13 Alma expounded the scriutures from the crea-
tion. 23. 5. Chap. 33. 12—15.
37. 1 — 6 Alma prophesied that the records, containing holy
writ, should retain their brightness. 7—27. Chap. 45. 2.
Hel. 3. 13—16 many particjular and large records kept by tlie
N ophites.
3 Nephi 5. 8—18 Mormon explains concerning the abridgment
of the records of his people.
26. 7 the plates of Nephi contain the more part of what Christ
taught. 11.
27. 23—27 things not forbidden to be written. All things writ-
ten by the Father.
4 Nephi 1. 19, 20 Amos kept the records eighty-four years. 21.
48, 49 Ammaron hid up the sacred records in'the earth.
Mormon 1. 1 Mormon makes a record and calls it the Book of
Mormon. 2—5. Chap. 2. 17, 18.
7. 8 tlie Jewish records to go from the Gentiles to the remnants.
Chav. 8. 5, 12, 14, 15.
8. 25 their prayers were in behalf of him who should bring
these things forth.
9. 32, 33 record written in the reformed Egyptian. 34.
Ether 1. 3 the record of Ether speaks of the creation.
4 — 6 Moroni gives only a partial account of the Jaredites.
3. 21—24 the brother of Jared commanded to write what he
had seen and heard. ^
4. 1 the things written by the brother of Jared not to be re-
vealed until Christ should come. 3 — 7, 16.
5. 1 touch not the things sealed up.
3, 4 these tilings shall be established by the mouth of three
witnesses.
15. 33 Etlier hid the record so that the people of Limlii found it.
Moroni 1. 1 — 4 Moroni only wrote an abridgment of Jaredite
history. 9. 24. Chap. 10. 2.
Sec. 1. 29 after having received the records of the Nenhltes. 3.
19. Sec. 5 1, 3, 4. 11. 26, 30.
6. 26 records kep!: back because of the wickedness of the
people.
6» 1 shall receive a knowledge concerning ancient records. 9. 1.
VISIONS AND DREAMS. 223
VX 1 because you have given up those records vou had power
to translate. 38— i2. * ^
■ "^i""^,^* ^l^*^ prayers of the ancient Saints answered, in the brins-
nig forth of the Book of Mormon. Sec. 11. 22 Ser 17 i— 3
^ ^0. 35 these things are true and according to the revelations of
21. 1 Joseph Smith, Jun., to be called a Seer, a translator
24. 1 Joseph Smith, Jun., called and chosen to write the Book
of ]Mormon. Sec. 28. 7.
42. 12 Bible and Book of Mormon contain the fulness of the
98^ 6J,he fulness of John's record hereafter to be revealed
10/. o7 written in the book of Enoch.
Sec. 128. the dead to be judged from the books. Things that
have never been revealed shall be revealed in the dispensation of
the fulness of times.
20 Moroni declaring the fulfilment of the prophets— the book
to be revealed.
135. 3 the books brought forth by Joseph Smith, Jun.
See Sermon by O. Pratt, y. of Z>., Vol. 16, page 47.
" Prest, B, Young, Parmlnglon. June 17^
1877, y. of D., Vol. ig, page s6, ^ *J /•
VISIONS AND DREAMS.
'^Surely the Lord God will do nothin<r, but he re
vealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets;"
Amos 3. 7. '^Where there is no vision the people
perish;" Prov, 29. 18.
By visions and dreams the Lord has made known
his will to his people, in every dispensation of the
Priesthood. This method of communicating infor-
mation, in its operations, is beyond the comprehen-
sion of our natural powers, and, for this reason, ranks
among the supernatui-al.
In the past, the Lord has made known to his
prophets many of the important events that were to
224 VISIONS AND DREAMS.
become history, down through the centuries of com-
ing time.
In the writings of Moses, as revealed to Joseph,
the Seer, we have an account of wonderful things,
made known in this way, to the prophet Enoch, who
lived several hundred years before Noah's flood. He
says: *^As I was journeying, and stood in the place
Mahujah, and cried unto the Lord, there came a voice
out of heaven, saying, Turn ye, and get ye upon the
mount Simeon.
"And it came to pass that I turned and went up
on the mount; and as I stood upon the mount, I be-
held the heavens open, and I was clothed upon with
glory, and I saw the Lord; and he stood before my
face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one
with another, face to face; and he said unto me,
Look, and I will show unto thee the world for the
space of many generations." When we reflect that
this great prophet lived nearly five thousand years
ago, and that the Lord revealed to him the great
events that were to take place on the earth until the
coming of Christ in the latter-days, it will give us
some little comprehension of the wonderful and great
things revealed to him. The account of this is in P,
of G, P. ^ pages ij — 22.
The Book of Mormon gives us a short account of
another prophet, the brother of Jared, who lived
about one hundred years after the flood. The Lord
"Shewed unto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants
of the earth which had been, and also all that would
be; and he withheld them not from his sight, even
unto the epds of the earth ; For he had said unto
him in times before, That if he would believe in him,
that he could shew unto him all things — it should be
shewn unto him; therefore the Lord could not with-
hold anything from him, for he knew that the Lor^l
could shew him all things."
We have no account of any greater vision than
this which the brother of Jared had. "And the Lord
.<^aid unto him. Write these things and seal them up,
and I will shew them in mine own due time unto the
children of men;" Eiker ^. 2 — 27, Thus we learn
VISIONS AND DREAMS. 225
from the twenty-seventh verse, that all the great
things which pertain to the history of man, from the
beginning unto the end of the earth, are yet to be re-
vealed, through the record of the brother of Jared, to
all who are prepared to receive them.
Lehi, the head of the first Jewish colony to Amer-
ica, was commanded by the Lord, in a dream, to
leave Jerusalem, take his family and go into the wil-
derness, preparatory to going to a strange land; i
Nephi 2.. 2; -t/^rj"^ 4 proves his supreme faith in this
dream: ''And it came to pass that he departed into
the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land
of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and
his precious things, and took nothing with him, save
it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and de-
parted into the wilderness."
This great patriarch, on other occasions, showeo
his faith in dreams and visions. In these ways the
Lord revealed many great things to him and his soi.
Nephi.
The Mosaic dispensation opened by an angel o;
the Lord appearing unto Moses in a flame of fire.
'*Out of the midst of a bush;" Exo, 3. 2.
The Old Testament gives an account of man}/
visions and dreams, but perhaps the most important
of the latter is the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which
was interpreted by the prophet Daniel; Dan. 2. It
is now over twenty-four hundred years since the king
of Babylon had that dream, and its fulfilment can be
traced in the history of the world down through all
these centuries.
The last great event, shown in this dream, was,
that in the latter times the God of heaven would set
up a kingdom which would break down other king-
doms and stand forever. This is the kingdom that it
was the mission of Joseph Smith, Jun., to establish,
and which the Latter-day Saints are laboring to build
up.
Dreams characterized the opening up of the New
Testament dispensation. After the birth of our Sa-
vior the wise men, who came from the east to see
him, were warned to disobey the command of the
16
226 VISIONS AND DREAMS.
wicked king Herod, who sought the h'fe of the young
childo The reputed father of the child, Joseph, was
warned in a dieam to take the child and its mother
and flee into Egypt for the same reason. When
Herod was dead, Joseph was warned in a dream to
take the child and its mother and return into the land
of Israel.
This great latter-day dispensation was opened up
by a vision. When Joseph Smith, Jun., was a lad, in
his fifteenth year, he retired to a secret place to ask
the Lord to direct him and give him wisdom. When
he kneeled down to offer up the desires of his heart
to God, he was nearly overcome by the powers of
darkness.
He says, in the narrative of his life wu-itten by
himself, ''Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a
pillar of light exactly over my head, above the bright-
ness of the sun, which descended gradually until it
fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found
myself delivered from the enemy which held me
bound. When the light rested upon me, I saw two
personages, whose brightness and glory defy all des-
cription, standing above me in the air. One of them
spake unto me, calling me by name, and said (point-
ing to the other). This is my Beloved Son, Hear
Him." I\ of G. P., page ^7-
An account of one of the most remarkable visions
of this dispensation, is recorded in Doc. &^ Cov., sec,
76. The narrative commences as 'follows: ''We,
Joseph Smith, Jun.. and Sidney Rigdon, being in the
Spirit on the sixteenth of February, in the year of
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two,
by the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and
our understandings wxre enlightened, so as to see
and understand the things of God — even those things
which were from the beginning before the world was,
which were ordained of the Father, through his Only
Begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father,
even from the beginning, of whom we bear record,
and the record which we bear is the fulness of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we
saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly
VISIONS AND DREAMS. 22;
vision;" verses ii— 14. In Joseph Smith's first
vision, God the Father bore testimony of Jesus
Chnst his Son. In this last vision, the Son appeared
to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, and revealed to
them many great and glorious truths concerning the
resurrection, and the final reward of all men accord-
mgto their works. The account of the vision will
repay much careful study.
The Lord said, through his prophet Joel, speaking
of the times when Israel should be gathered in the
latter days, ''I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh;
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy'
your old men shall dream dreams, your young men
shall see visions;" 2. 28. Thousands of Latter-day
Saints can testify that this prophecy is being fulfilled,
and that dreams and visions characterize this as they
have all former dispensations of the Priesthood.
Gen^ 15. 12 a horror of great darkness fell on Abraham.
00 ^^.- ^r^^'^^ ^° Abimelech in a dream by night. 6.
28. 12— lo Jacob's dream in Bethel.
^}rPT^'^ Jacob's dream of the speckled cattle.
24 God appeared to Laban.
37. 5—8 Joseph's dream of the sheaves.
9, K) Josepli's dream of the sun, moon and stars
a?- ;'~o.> t!!"^ dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker.
A' V:' J l^araoh s dreams and Joseph's interpretation.
4 >. 2 God spake to Jacob in the visions of the ni-lit
D^'ia"^' ^' ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ to ^11 <^i^is vision did Nathan speak to
vvi xlorir^^ ^' ^~^^ Solomon's dream in which he asks the Lord for
0. 2 the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, as he had ap-
pe ired unto him at Gibeon. ^
22. 19—22 Micah's vision of the lying spirit
v'ht^ ^' '^^' ^^ ^^^ secretly brought to me from the visions of the
Jer. 1. 11—16 visions of a rod, and of a seethinf^ Dot
Ezek. 1. vision of four living creatures. "^ *
2. 9, 10 the visions of the roll of a book.
8. 22, 23 a vision of the glory of the Lord
67iap 8. vision of the glory of the Lord and of the rebelli.nxs
ues5 01 JUQan
Chap 9. vision of the destruction of the wicked and of tlie
preservation of the righteous in Jerusalem
Chap, 10. vision of the coals of lire scattered over Jei'usaleui
228 VISIONS AND DREAMS.
and of living creatures which Ezekiel had before seen by the
river Chebar.
11. 22 vision of the Cherubim.
23 vision of the glory of the Lord departing from Jerusalem
24, 25 Ezekiel in vision was carried by the Spirit into Chaldea,
87. 1—10 vision of dry bones, then- coming together and being
covered with flesh and fi'iled with life.
Chap. 40. and remainder of Ezekiel is probably a vision of
Jerusalem during the Millennium.
Dan. 4. Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great tree.
CJiap. 5. the handwriting on the wall of the palace of Belshazzar
Chap 7. Daniel's vision of the four beasts, and of the sitting of
the Ancient of days.
Chap. 8. Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat.
Hah 2. 2, 3 write the vision and make it plain upon tables.
Zech. 1. 8-11 the vision of the horses among the myrtle trees.
18 — ^21 visions of the horns and carpenters.
2. 1, 2 vision of the measuring line.
Chap. 4. vision of the golden candlestick.
CMp. 5. vision of the flying roll. C^. 1—8 of the four chariots.
Matt. 1. 20 an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream.
Luke i. 5--19 Gabriel promised Zacharias that his wife Eliza
beth should have a son named J(;hn.
Act^ y. 12 Saul's vision of Ananias.
10. 10—10 Peter's vision of all manner of beasts. 11. 5—10.
30—32 Cornelius' vision of a man m bright clothing.
IG. 9 Paul's vision of a man from Macedonia wanting help.
18. 9, 10 the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision.
22. 17—21 Paul had a trance in the temple.
Rev. 1. 12—18 vision of the seven golden candlesticks.
Chap. 4. vision of the throne of God, of twenty-four elders and
of four beasts.
Chap. 5. the book sealed with seven seals.
Cliap. 6. tlie opening of the seven seals.
Chap. 7. 144,000 of the tribes of Israel sealed in their foreheads,
an innumerable multitude stood before the throne.
C'nap. 8. the opening of the seventh seal and the plagues that
follow.
Cnap. 9. opening of the bottomless pit, the plague of locusts ;
other woes follow.
Chap. 10. the book which John is commanded to eat.
Chap. 11. vision of two witnesses who shall be slain and rise
after three days. The seventh trumpet sounds.
Chap. 12. vision ot the woman with cliild, and of the great red
dra!?on.
Chap, 13. the beast with seven heads and ten horns.
Cluap. 14. the Lamb standing on Mount Zion ; the Gospel
preached ; the fall of Babylon.
Chap. 15. the seven angels with the seven last plagues; the
seven vials full of wrath.
Chap. 16. the angels pour out their vials full of wrath ; the com-
ing of Christ.
Chap. 17. great Babylon represented by a woman.
Chap. 18. the fall of Babylon ; the gathering of tiie Saints.
Chap. 19. the blood ot the Saints avenged ; the marriage of the
Tyamb ; the fowls called to the great slaughter.
SIGNS AND TOKENS. 229
Chap. 20. Satan "bound for a thousand years; he is let loose
again ; Go.^ and Magog-; the last resurrection.
Chap. 21. a new heaven and a new earth ; the heavenly Jeru-
salem.
Chap. 22. the river and tree of life.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 1. 6 there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock
before Lehi.
8 Lehi was overcome by the Spirit and carried away in a vision,
in which he saw many things.
o. 2, 3 Lehi commanded, in a dream, to send his sons to Jeru-
salem for the record of the Jews.
Chap. 8. Lehi's vision of the tree with the white fruit, the river
and the rod of iron, and of a great and spacious building.
Chap. 11. Nephi's vision of the Son of Man, his ministry, suf-
ferings and deatli.
Chap. 12. Nephi's vision of his own seed, the seed of his breth-
ren, and of the promised land
Chap. 13. Nephi's vision of the Gentile nations across the
"many waters," of the discovery of America by Christopher Co-
lumbus, and of many other great events that were to take place
in the future.
18. 2 Nephi built the ship after the manner the Lord had shown
him.
2 Nephi 1. 4 Lehi had a vision in which he knew that Jerusa-
lem was destroyed.
Mos. 27. 11—13 an angel of God descended in a cloud and ap-
peared to Alma.
SIGNS AND TOKENS.
Signs may or may not be miraculous manifesta-
tions. They may indicate something that has taken
place, and also be a token of a continuance of some
certain blessing. For instance, the Lord covenanted
with Noah, and v/hh every living creature, that he
would not again destroy all liesh from the earth with
a flood.
230 SIGNS AND TOKENS.
As a token of this covenant the Lord said to
Noah, "I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be
for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over
the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud."
The Lord further assured Noah, ^'And the bow shall
be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may
remember the everlastino- covenant between God and
every living creature of all flesh that is upon the
earth;" Gen, (). 9 — 17.
They may also indicate that certain things shall
take place periodically, as ''God said, Let there be
lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the
day from the night; and let them be for signs, and
for seasons, and for days, and for years;" i. 14.
The prophets have foretold signs that should
precede great events that were to take place on the
earth. Speaking of the birth of our Savior, the
prophet Isaiah says, ''The Lord himself shall
give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and
bear a Son;" 7. 14.
The Lamanite prophet, Samuel, foretold to the
Nephites in the city of Zarahemla, that for two days
and one night preceding the birth of Christ there
should be no darkness, and that a new star should
arise, such an one as the Nephites had never before
beheld; Hel. 14. 3, 5. These signs appeared as
Samuel predicted; 3 NepJiii, 13 — 21.
He also predicted terrible judgments that should
destroy the wicked among the Nephites and Laman-
ites when the Savior should die. Simultaneously
with that event there should be thunderings, Hght-
nings, tempests and earthquakes. These should
continue for many hours, and darkness should cover
the land for three days; Hel. 14. 21 — 2^, Chapters
8, 9, and 10, of 3 Nephi^ give us a very vivid descrip-
tion of these judgments that were predicted by
Samuel.
In the sacred writings, many signs are predicted
that should precede the coming of the Son of Man,
in the latter days. The Jewish apostles of our Savior
manifested great interest in this matter. On a cer-
SIGNS AND TOKENS. 23I
tain occasion when Jesus sat upon the Mount of
Olives, they asked concerning ihe destruction of
Jerusalem; after which they especially inquired,
" What is the sign of thy coming and of the end of
the world?" P. of G. P., page 38.
Jesus first answered them concerning the destruc-
tion of the Temple and the Jews. He told his disci-
ples that they should be afflicted and killed, and be
hated of all nations for his^name's sake. ^'Then
shall many be offended, and shall betray one another;
and many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive
many; and because iniquity shall abound, the love of
many shall wax cold; but he that remaineth steadfast
and is not overcome, the same shall be saved."
^'VVhen you, therefore, shall see the abomination of
desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, con-
cerning the destruction of Jerusalem (/>-'//. 12. 11),
then you shall stand in the holy place. ' In this
paragraph, continuing on to page 39, Chust says, '^ In
those days, shall be great tribulation on the Jews,
and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, such as was
not before sent upon Israel ot God, since the
beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor
ever shall be sent again upon Israel."
After these judgments should come upon Jeru-
salem and the Jews, then false Christs and prophets
should arise, and shew great signs and wonders^ in-
somuch that they would deceive the Elect according
to the covenant, if it were possible.
Then he assures his disciples that they shall hear
of wars and rumors of wars, but he assures them
that will not be the end. For afterwards there will be
those who will predict the coming of the Son of
Man. He tells bis disciples that they need not be de-
ceived with regard to this great event, " For as the
light of the morning cometh out of the east, and
shineth even unto the west, and covereth the wdiole
earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
That is, the indications of his coming will be so un-
mistakable that they need not be deceived.
One very significant sign of his coming, he stated
would be, that his Elect should be gathered from the
232 SIGNS AND TOKENS.
four quarters of the earth. Through the instrumen-
tality of Joseph Smith and the Holy Priesthood, this
great work is now going on: **And they," that is
those who are being gathered, "shall hear of wars,
^and rumors of wars, ^ '^ for nation shall
'rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
there shall be famine, and pestilences, and earth-
quakes, in divers places; and again, (for the second
time) because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold." Agam Jesus gave the assurance
that he who was not overcome should be saved:
^^And again" — that is when the Elect are being gath-
ered and judgments were being poured out upon the
nations for the second time — " This Gospel of the
kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a
witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come,"
or the destruction of the wicked; "and again" — that
is for the second time — *' shall the abomination of
desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be ful-
filled. And immediately after the tribulation of
those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon
shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from
heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken;
verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these
things shall be shewn forth, shall not pass away until
all I have told you shall be fulfilled. * * '■^
After the tribulation of those days, and the powers
of the heavens shall be shaken ; then shall appear the
sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall
all the tribes of the earth mourn ; and they shall see
the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven,
with power and great glory;" P, of G. P.^ pages
38—40.
This translation of the twenty-fourth chapter of
Matthew, commencing with the last verse of the
twenty-third chapter, by Joseph Smith, the Seer, is
both very interesting and instructive to the student of
theology. It contains much more than can be made
to appear in a short sketch like this.
Every dispensation of the Priesthood has been
characterized by miracles, by signs, and wonders,
and none more than this, the dispensation of the ful-
SIGNS AND TOKENS. 233
ness of times. It was to be opened up by an angel
who should fly through the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting Gospel to preach to the nations of the
earth; Rev. 14. 6,
An angel, named Moroni, has come and brought
forth to the world the Book of Mormon, which con-
tains the fulness of the everlasting Gospel; P. of G,
P.^pai^es^c) — 53. It is the same Gospel that was
preached by Jesus and his apostles. Thus, the say-
ing of the Savior to his disciples upon the Mount of
Olives is being fulfilled: ''This Gospel of the king-
dom shall be preached to all the world for a witness
unto all nations ; and then shall the end come ;" Matt,
24. 14. Israel is being gathered from the four quar-
ters of the earth in fuliihiient of numerous predictions
of the ancient prophets.
Jesus, also, told his disciples that they should
hear of wars and rumors of wars. "For nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places;" verses 6, 7. The
world is witness that these sayings are being ful-
tiilled.
These are only a few of the many signs and to-
kens that the coming of the Son of Man in power
and great glory is near at hand. Signs and tokens
will increase as manifestations that God is at work
among the nations. Only those who have faith in
God will comprehend their meaning. He has prom-
ised his saints that it should be given them to under-
stand the signs of the times; Doc. &r^ Cgv. 68. u.
The wicked are ever seeking after signs, but they
have no faith in ihe Giver, and therefore their mo-
tives are evil. Jesus said, "An evil and adulterous
generation seeketh after a sign ;" Matt. 12. 39. We
are promised that signs shall follow the believer;
Mark i6, 17 — 20. This promise is not limited to
any specified time or place; but extends to all believ-
ers. They are nowhere promised to the unbeliever
except for a testimony against them ; for the Lord has
said, ''He that seeketh signs, shall see signs, but not
unto salvation;" Doc. &^ Cov,y 63. 7.
234 SIGNS AND TOKENS.
Signs are a gift of God, and, to be beneficial to
those who receive them, they must come by faith;
'^Signs come by faith, not by'tlie will of men, nor as
[hey please, but by the will of God;" verse lo.
Hence, they are a blessing to the believer, but not to
[hose wdio would treat with contempt a manifestation
of the power and goodness of God.
Exo. 4. 17 thou Shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith
thou Shalt do signs. •
12. 13 and the blood shall be for a token upon the houses.
Deut. 13. 1, 2 if a prophet or a dreamer of dreams give thee a
sign or a wonder.
28. 46 they shall be upon thee and thy seed forever for a sign
and for a wonder.
Dan. 4. 3 how great are his signs, and how mighty his wonders.
6. 27 he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.
Matt. 12. 38 Master, we would see a sign from thee.
16. 1 desired him that he would shew them a sign from
heaven. 3.
Mark 8. 11, 12 seeking of him a sign from heaven.
13. 4 what shall be the sign Avheii all these things shall be ful-
filled? 22.
Luke 2. 34 for a sign that shall be spoken against.
21. 11 fearful sights and great signs shall there be from
heaven. 25.
John 2. 18 what sign shewcst thou unto us?
4. 48 except ye see signs and Avonders ye will not believe.
6. 30 what sign shewest thou that we may see and believe thee?
Acts 2. 19 I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in
the earth beneath. 43.
4. 30 that signs and wonders may be done by the name of
Tesus. 5. 12, Chap. 14. 3.
Bom. 4. 11 received the sign of circumcision, a seal of right-
eousness.
1 Cor. 1. 22 for the Jews require a sign.
2 Thess. 2. 9 with all powers, and signs, and lying wonders.
Eev. 15. 1 I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous.
Book of JHormon.
I Nephl 19. 10 Zenos spake of three days' darkness, a sign of the
death of Christ.
II after Messiah shall come there shall be signs given to all
Israel.
Jacob 7. 3, 14 Sherem said, shew a sign by this power of the
Holy Ghost.
Mos. 3. 15 many signs, wonders, types and shadows shewed he
unto them.
ANGELS. 235
Alma 32. 17 many who say, shev/ us a sign from heaven and we
shall believe.
37. 27 ail these signs and wonders ye shall retain from this
people.
HeL 16. 13 in the nineteenth year of the judges were great
signs and wonders.
oNepIu'2. 1 the people began to forget the signs and w^onders
they had seen.
8 the Nephites began to reckon time from the appearing of the
sign.
11. 2 the people conversed about Jesus Christ and the sign of
his death.
21. 2 this is the thing I will give to you for a sign.
7 be a sign to them that the work of the Father hath com-
menced.
Ether 4. 18 and signs shall follow those that believe.
Sec. 39. 23 and they shall be looking forth for the signs of my
coming.
45. 16 as ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my com-
ing. 39, 40.
46. 9 not for a sign that he may consume it on his lusts.
58. 64 the Gospel must be preached to every creature, with
signs following.
63. 9 faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those tliat be-
lieve. 10, 12.
68. 10 he that believeth shall be blest with signs following.
11 to you it shall be given to know the signs of the times.
84. 65 these signs shall follow those tiiat believe.
88. 93 immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven,
and all people shall see it together.
124. 98 these signs shall foll:>v/ him.
ANGELS,
Angels have acted an Important part in every dis-
pensation of !he Priesthood. An angel first preaclied
the Gospel of faith on the Son of God to Adam; P.
of G, P.y page g. An angel of the Lord called to
1Z^ JVNGEL5=.
Abraham; Gen, 22. 11. An angel first attracted the:
attention of Moses to the burning bush; ^;r. 3. 2.
Their ministrations are often mentioned in the Old
Testament history of ancient Israel. They were a
prominent feature in the opening history of the New
Testament dispensation. An angel appeared to
Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, and fore-
told his birth; Luke i. 11, 12.
The angel Gabriel appeared to the virgin Mary
and foretold the birth of the Savior; verse 31. An
angel appeared to the shepherds, bringing the joyful
news of a Savior's birth; 2. 10, 11. One warned
Joseph to flee into Egypt to save the life of the child
Jesus, and to return again after the death of Herod;
Matt. 2. 13 — 15. According to the writings of the
apostles they continued their ministrations, at least
until John wrote his Revelation, for he was com-
manded to write to the angel of each of the seven
churches of Asia; Chapters 2. 3.
According to prophecy, angels were to act an im-
portant part in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
The dispensation was to be opened by one, for John
the Revelator says,'^And I saw another angel fly in the
midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth;" Rev*
14.6.
There is abundant evidence that an angel, calling
himself Moroni, came to Joseph Smith, Jun., and
taught him the principle and power of revelation
from God, made known to him the real condition of
the world, and when he had properly instructed him,
delivered to him the record from which the Book of
Mormon was translated by the power of God, con-
taining the fulness of the everlasting Gospel; P,of
G, P.^ pai^es 4Q — 54".
The angel, John the Baptist, ordained Joseph Smith
and O. Cowdery to the Priesthood of Aaron, "Which
holds the keys of the ininisterins!: of angels^ and" of
the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immer-
sion for the remission of sins;" Doc, <Sr* Cov,^ 13.
From this second angel they received authority to
preach the Gospel, revealed by the first angel, and to
ANGELS. 237
minister in its ordinances among all nations, thus ful-
filling the prophetic vision of St. John.
Angels are to accompany Jesus Christ when he
shall come in the glory of his Father; J/^//. 16. 27.
They are to gather the elect from the four quarters of
the earth; 24. 31. The inspired writings, and espe-
cially the Revelation ot St. John, assures us that they
will act an important part in the great work of the
latter da^^s. There can be no truly Gospel church in
which theii ministrations are not recognized.
ANGEL OF THE LORD,
Gen. 16. 7 an ans^el of the Lord found Hagar by a fountain.
28. .12 angels of God ascended and descended. "
Exo. 14. 19 the angel of God, which went before the camp ot
Israel, removed and went behind them.
Judges 2. 4 when the angel of the Lord spake these words to
tne cliildren of Israel.
6. 11 there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak.
12 an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon.
13. 3 an angel of the Lord appeared to the mother of Samson.
2 Kings 19. 35 the angel of the Lord smote and killed 185,000 of
the Assyrians.
1 Clu'on. 21. 12 the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all
the coasts of Israel.
30 David was afraid because ot the sword of the angel of the
Lord.
Psalm 34. 7 the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them
that tear him.
Matt. 28. 2 the angel of the Lord rolled back the stone from
*hc door.
Luke 2. 8. 9 the angel of the Lord came upon the shepherds.
Acts 5. 19 the angel of tlie Lord, by night, opened the prison
doors.
8. 20 the angel of the Lord spake unto Phillip,
12. 23 tlie angel of the Lord smote Herod.
27. 23 ihere stood by me, this night, the angel of God.
Book of plormon.
1 Nephi 3. 29 as they smote us with a rod, an angel of the Lord
?tood before them.
238 ANGELS.
3fos. 27. 11—18 the angel of the Lord appeared to Alma and
the sons of Mosiah.
Alma 9. 25 that ye may not be destroyed, the Lord hath sent
his angel.
10. 7—11 an angel of the Lord appeared to me and said, Am-
ulek !
21. 14 in his mercy he visits ns by his angels.
Jlel. 5. 11 he hath sent his angels to declare the conditions of
repentance.
14. 2G angel said to me, there should be thunderings and light-
nkigs for many hours. 28.
Sec. 63. 54 in that day will I send mine angels to pluck out the
wicked.
103. 19, 20 I say not to you as I said to your fathers, mine angel
shall go before you.
MINISTERING ANGELS.
Book oi JHormon.
Jacob 7. 17 the power of the Holy Ghost and the ministering ol
angels.
Moroni 7. 25 by ministering of angels, men began to exercise
faith in Christ. 2j, 30.
l9octn'u£ anlj ^^obcixantK.
Sec. 7. G, 7 I will make him as a flaming fire and a ministering
angel.
43. 25 called on you by my servants, and the ministering of
angels.
G7. 13 not able to abide the presence of God, neither the minis-
tering of angels.
7C). 88 the telestial receive it of the ministering of angels.
132. IG but are appointed angels in heaven, which are minis-
tering servants. 17—20.
13G. 37 whom 1 did call upon by mine angels, my ministering
servants.
jHificcIIaucotis i^assagcs.
Gcr,. 19. 1 there came two angels lo Sodom at even.
ANGELS. 239
48. IG the angel \vhicli redeemed me from all evil bless the
lad^.
Exo. 23. 20 I send an angel before tliee, to keep thee in the
way.
Nam. 20. IG sent an angel and bronglit ns out of Egypt.
2 Sam. 24. IG when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jeru-
salem to destroy it.
1 Kings 19. 5 an angel touclied Elijah and said, arise and eat.
2 Chron. 32. 21 Lord sent an angel which cut off all the mighty
men.
Psalm 8. 5 man made a little lower than the angels. Heh. 2. 7, 9.
G8. 17 the chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands
of angels,
78. 25 man did eat angels' food.
Dan. 9. 21 Gabriel touched Daniel about the time of the eve-
ning oblation. 10. 4—14,20,21.
Matt. 4. 11 angels came and ministered to Christ.
13. 39 the harvest is the end of the world : the reapers are the
angels. 49.
18. 10 tlieir angels do always behold the face of my Father.
24. SG of that day knoweth no man, no, not the angels of
heaven.
25. 31 Son of Man shall come, and all tlie holy angels with
him.
23. 53 he shall presently give me more tlian twelve legions of
angels.
Mark 8. 38 when he cometh in the glory of the Father, with
the holy angels. Luke 9. 26.
12. 2o nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels.
TAike 1. 19 the angel said tG Zacharias, 1 am Gabriel, that stand
ih the presence of God.
2G the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee.
IG. 22 was carried by the angels into Abraham's' bosom.
22. 43 there appeared an angel to Jesus, strengthening liim.
Acts 7. 53 who received the law by dispensation of angels
10 . 22 was warned from CJod, by an lioly aivgel,to send for thee.
Jiom.S. 38 I am persuaded that neither death, nor lile, nor
angels.
1 Cor. G. 3 know ye not that we sliall judge angels?
Gal 1. 8 though we or an angel from heaA'cn preach any other
Gospel.
2 Tftess. 1. 7 Lord Jesus shall be revealed from lieaven with his.
mighty angels.
1 Tim. 5. 21 I charge thee before God and th.e elect angels.
Jfch. 1, 4 being made so much better than the angels. '7.
2. 5 for unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world
to come? IG.
12. 22 the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable com-
pany of angels.
13. 2 n Jt forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have
entertained angels iniawares.
licv. 5. 2 saw a strong angel proclaiming, who is Avorthy to
open the book. U. Chap. 7. 1. Chap. 8. 3. Chap. 10. 1, 5—10.
Chap. 11. 15. Chap. VI. 7.
14. G I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting Gospel to preach to them that dwell on the
240 ANGELS.
earth. 8, 10, 15. Chap. 15. 6, 7. Chap. 17. 1. Chap. 18. 1, 21. Chap
19. 17.
21. 12 had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels. 17.
Book of JHormon.
1 Nephi 13. 40 the angel said, these last records shall establish
the truth of the first.
19. 8 he .Cometh according to the words of the angel, six hun-
dred years from the time my father left Jerusalem. 10.
2 Nephi 6. 9 scourge and crucify him, according to the words ol
the angel. 11.
10. 3 the last night the angel said he should be called Christ.
25. 19.
32. 2, 3 angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Alma 9. 2L having been visited by the Spirit of God, having
conversed with angels. 12. 29.
13. 22 the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it to all
nations. 24—2(1
29. 1 Oh, that 1 were an angel, that I might cry repentance to
every people.
32. 2.^ now he imparteth his words, by angels, unto men, women
and children.
HcL 16. 14 angels appeared to wise men and declared unto
them glad tidings of great joy.
3 NeiM 7. 18 so groat was the faith of Nephi, that angels minis-
tered unto him daily.
17. 24 they saw angels descending out of heaven and encircling
ihe little ones.
Sec. 38. 12 the angels are waiting the great command to reap
down the earth.
88. 92 and angels shall fly through the midst of heaven sound-
ing the trump of God. 96—107.
112 ISIichael, the seventh angel, shall gather together his
armies
I'is. 20 Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment
of the prophets.
129. 1 angels are resurrected personages, having bodies of
fle.sh and bones. 5.
1 30. 4—7 no angels minister to this earth but those that belong
to it.
^^arl of (Kreat prite.
Parje 9. after many days an angel of the Lord appeared to
Adam.
12. the Gospel was preached from the beginning, being declared
by angels.
* 27. the angiel of the Lord's presence stood by Abraham.
ANGELS. 241
El^^n^"" ^^^"^ '^''^ ""°« ^''Sel to deliver me from the gods of
with him.° """^^^^ "' *'^ «'°"<J^ °f J^eaven, and the holy angels
trumpet! ''"''^ '''"'^ ''*' '"'^^'^ ^^^""^ Wmwlth the sound of a
FALLEN ANGELS.
prepared for the d'lvn and hiTlnSl""''^**' "^^ everlasting Are,
light!^""- "• " '""^ ^^'*"' ^'^'"^''If' 1« 'transformed Into an angel of
them-^own tt helf^ '^^''* "^^^ "»« ^"S«l« *^' sinned, but cast
great day. '^axiiness, unto the judgment of the
^.Bev. 9. 11 a kingoverthem, which is the angel of the bottomless
12. 9 the great dragon was cast out, and his angels with him.
Book of JHormoit.
hefv^^^"' '• " "^"^' ""^^ ^-^PP^^ aat an angel of God fell from
jJohf fFVw"?,."'' ^ ^^''j«'=* '° 'I'at angel who fell ifi
.S^iB^Zl^SSA^BL t.e
an H^- '' ^"* ^^-^^'^^-i >"«. for he appeared In the form of
Of thf ^^L': ' "^^ ''^^^ '^'^S'^^*- ^''d J^is angels rejoice, because
to Z%Z^^l SS*o'^L^° '""^ ^'^'' ''"^ ^^^ -eels persuade men
Mozixim diulf (S^ohzuKuig,
pargf-the dl?illid°h"is^nkir 37^'^' ''^'^ ^^«^"^^«"« «^e P«-
angeis.''^''^'^'^ °' ^"•^*' •"^'^'^^ »» '^n^er with the devil and his
angelofll^?"^.^!^'^^"^ "'^ ^^^ -^-e" he appealed as an
17
242 THE SABBATH DAY,
THE SABBATH DAY.
In the history of creation, as given in the Bible
Genesis, we find that the Lord commenced and ended
the labor of creating the world in six days or periods
of time. That also, he ceased his labors on the sev-
^;nth day and devoted it to rest.
As we have shown in the article on pre-existence,
\n this work, these seven periods of creative tinie
were occupied in the creation and perfection of spir-
itual organizations. These have since given life to
the organizations form.ed out of the crude elements,
from which all animal and vegetable life is formed.
When Adam was formed out of these elements,
and the Lord made every tree that is pleasant to the
sight, and good for food, to grow out of the ground,
another series of creative days, or periods of time,
commenced. The six days of labor, which, accord«
ing to present reckoning, is supposed to be about six
thousand years, has nearly passed away.
The Christian world anticipate the time when an-
tagonisms will cease, and there will be a time of uni-
versal peace, called the Millennium. While the
Christian sects may entertain various theories as to
how this millennium will be brought about, and what
will be its practical results, to the Latter-day Saints
it assumes a well defined outline, as delineated in the
sacred books. ,
Typical of these great, creative sabbaths, the
Lord has commanded man to rest every seventh day,
according to his reckoning, as measured by or^ rev-
olution of the earth on its axis. The sabbafh was
instituted for man's especial benefit, for the Savior,
when on the earth, declared that "The sabbath was
made for man, and not man for the sabbath;" Mar^
2 27 •
There is nothing to indicate that the sabbath was
a new institution at the time Israel came out of Egypt,
THE SABBATH DAY. ^^^
Egypt, when the Lord had com^nSTo Ted h""
on manna, they were comma nrlJrit^ to teed them
sixth day ^noujh for ^hes^emh day alio 'tk" 'I'
holy-sabbath \Z'o thTLo,5°""S^x6^ t '''' °' '''
upon Mount Sinai, the Lord give to^feeff P°^'"''
mandments, one of which was 'VL u^ '^," ^O"""
bath day, to keep it ho y sfx da^-^h^f ?[ '^1 f '^-
and do all thy work- hiit th« Lv^!u • '^*'^°" Jabor,
of the Lord thy God Li? fhr"'^ ',' ^'^^ ^^^bbath
work, thou, nor^hy son nor thy°"dau2erth'^ '""^
servant, nor thy maidse.'vant, nor thy^cSle / "^.1"'
stranger that is within thy eates for"^-n J- '^"°'' ^^^
Lord made heaven and earfh *L 1 ^i"" ^""V^ the •
them is, and resfed the seventh H.f' ^"."^ ^" *'^^' '"
Lord blessed the sabb.th ,?! ^^i ^herefore the
20. 8-II. This commanien'^s ve.^ ^"°^.^^ '*="
comprehensive, and the Lo^d makes if f^^^PJ^S ^nd
creative, sabbatic period of time ^P"='' °^ *^«
In the Pentateuch the passae-'es ar^ ^, ;
ous m which the children of IsilpI ' '5"'*^ "^""^er-
the importance of keenino- thill ^^ reminded of
i-port'ance of keeping^thf fahhTl^ir''-'- "^he
upon Israel in the follow no- msc,! v^ ^'"^^ '=^ "'^ed
still more force than in "fe^n!^"f' '^ Possible, with
Lord spake unto Moses saving 9n°?"fJ "^"d the
the children of Israel savfn""\P-f'' '''^^ ^'^o ""to
shall keep: for it fs\ S 1^?"''^ '"^ ^^bbaths ye
throughoift your generations thlfv?" ™1 ^"^ >«»
I am the Lord th^t doth sancti y j^^u >^'f "^^i^^^ ^i^^t
A very important featurp nf fi • ^i- 12—18.
pressed in the last verse The iJ- '"¥^' ''« ex-
bath day was to be a .S\hJou.te?!f ^^ '^^ ^^b-
of Israel, that the peSple conHm, ,1. ^^"^'■^*'°"s
that it was the Lord that sanrWfi ^^.u'^^^^^ered
keeping his commandment '^'^^^'fi^d 'hem through
244 '^^^ SABBATH DAY.
In verse 14, the Lord says, **Ye shall keep the
sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Every
one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for
whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall
be cut off from among his people." The command is
repealed in a little different form in verse 15.
The sabbath was to be a perpetual covenant be-
tween the Lord and the children of Israel. **Where-
fore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to
observe the sabbath throughout their generations,
for a perpetual covenant;'^ verse 16. In verse 17
they are commanded to observe it as a sign that they
remember that the Lord made heaven and earth, and
rested on the seventh day.
In these quotations from^;ir^. 31, and in the Deca-
logue the most positive and weighty reasons are given
by the Lord to the fathers of the house of Israel, for
keeping the sabbath day. The obligation is evident-
ly as binding upon the Latter-day Saints as it was
upon their fathers, and they in like manner will reap
the reward of obedience.
Israel was also required to give the land rest. **Six
years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt
prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof;
but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest
unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt
neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard;" Lev,
25. 3, 4. After seven sabbaths of years had been
numbered, making forty-nine years, then the fiftieth
year was to be a year of Jubilee. This was a year
of general release from all bondage. "And ye
shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants there-
of: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return
every man unto his* possession, and ye shall return
every man unto his family;" verse 10. Both the
forty-ninth and fiftieth were years of rest for the land.
This chapter should be well studied for information
with regard to the sabbatic year.
The Lord, in his revelations through his prophet
Joseph, has commanded the saints to keep the sab-
bath day holy. "For verily this is a day appointed
THE SABBATH DAY. 245
unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy de-
votions unto the Most High. « » ""^ * •'y^jj^
on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let
hy food be prepared with singleness of heart that
thy fasting niay be perfect, or, in other words, that
thy joy may be full;" Doc. &- Cov., cq. 10, n In
r/rnf/fT'7'-^''^^f>'^""''^8:s are promised as the
tu <u ,. , P'."S *'^'^ commandment. To keep the
«5nfc «A J^.i^ again positively enjoined upon the
saints "And the inhabitants of Zion shall, also, ob-
serve the Sabbath day to keep it holy;" sec. 68. 29
mut.
my^^bbaas ' 80'" '"'"^ "^"''^ '^'^ ^*^ ''''''^' ''"'^ "mother, and keep
desSat^. *''*''' '^*^^ '^^ '''"'* ®°j°y ^er sabbaths as long as It Is
NT'm\f^^ "^yo^nSJinan stoned for breaking the sabbath
sabblth ^ "^"^^^ covenanted not to buy victuals on toe
onlhesllbath''^''^''''^ sharply reproved the people for laboring
isa. 56 2 blessed is the man that keepeth the sabbath
bebTessld' ''"'''"'' "'"^ ^-^ ^''■'^''Ser tfmt keep the sabbath shall
bath;}|-.W2!-27."''"'^' P^'^'^^^ed to those who keep the sab-
in Zi^.^- ''' ""'"""^ ^^^ ^^'"^'' '■^^'^'^ '^°'i sabbaths to be forgotter
^^ek.20. 12 I gave my sabbaths to be a sign between me anc"
^«/f la^^f^iH*!''' "^^f ^'■°™. ''"y sabbaths.
^19 i' /"f I'le Son of man is Lord even »' the sabbath
10-12 lawful to do good on the sabbath dsiy. ^^ooam.
246 ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE,
ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE.
The name, Lsrael, is used to designate the descen-
dants of Abraham through Isaac his son, and Jacob
his grandson. The Lord gave the name to Jacob the
father of twelve sons, the heads of the tribes of
Israel. ^*And God appeared unto Jacob again, when
he came out of Padan-aram, and blessed him. And
God said unto him, thy name is Jacob: thy name
shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall
be thy name; and he called his name Israel;" Gen,
35. 9, 10.
Abraham was a direct descendant of Shem, the
son of Noah, and his native land was Ur of the
Chaldees; chap, 11. "Now the Lord said unto
Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that
I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great
nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name
great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless
them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth
thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed;" 12. 1—3.
The promise to Abram, that he should become a
great nation, has been fulfilled in his chosen seed
occupying the land of Palestine, as such, for fifteen
hundred years. It will again be fulfilled when they
become a nation on that land forever.
The history of the eastern hemisphere for the
two thousand years which intervened between the
calling of Abraham and the destruction of Jerusalem
by the Romans, witnesses that every nation that
fought against Israel, or in any way oppressed them,
passed away. Time will show the same general re-
sult, from the destruction of Jerusalenr to the millen-
nium.
ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE. 247
The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the time when
the Lord should favor Israel, said, <*A11 they that
were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and
confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that
strive with thee shall perish ;'' 41 . 1 1 . ^^ I will feed
them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they
shall be drunken with their own blood;" 49. 26. "I
have taken out of thine hand the cup of' trembling
even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no
more drink It agam: but I will put it into the hand
of them that afflict thee; which liave said to thy
soul, Bow down, that we may go over;" 51. 22 23.
The first Nephi saw the final result, as* between
Israel and their enemies, some six hundred years
before the birth of our Savior. Speaking ot the
time when they should be brought out of captivity
and gathered to the lands of their inheritance, he
says, "And the blood of that great and abominable
church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall
turn upon their own heads; for they shall war
among themselves, and the sword of their own hands
shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be
drunken with their own blood. And every nation
which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall
be turned one against another, and they shall fall into
the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of
the Lord;" i Nephi 2.2, 13, 14.
The sacred and profane history of the world
evidences that all people, outside of the covenant
seed of Abraham, when brought into association
with that seed, have exhibited an instinctive antagon-
ism to them. As a result, there are few nations that
have not oppressed tfesm, when there has been op-
portunity. ^
The quotations made on this subject, and many
more not noticed, show that Israel will rule over all
these in the future. As a result the future prin^^^s of
the earth will be of that lineage. Then will be ful-
nlled another very important promise which the Lord
made to Abraham: '^Thy seed shall possess the ^ate
nf his enemies;' Gen, 22. 17. ^
The promise in the following, verse 18, which is
248 ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE.
also repeated in a number of places in the sacred
writings, is a very important one: '^ In thy seed shall
all the nations of the earth be blessed." It was
through the lineage of Abraham that Jesus came in
the flesh to redeem the world. It was only to the
seed of Abraham that he personally ministered while
in the flesh.
He was born in Bethlehem of Judea, almost under
the walls of Jerusalem; L7ike, chap. 2. He grew up
in Nazareth, a city of Galilee; verse 39. He was
baptized in Jordan, the chief river of the land of
promise; Matt. 3. 13. His chosen twelve disciples
were of the house of Israel. They were sent first to
preach the Gospel to the house of Israel: ^'These
twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, say-
ing, Go not into the way of Gentiles, and into any
city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather
to the lost sheep of the house of Israel;" Matt. 10.
5,6.
All the labors of Christ's earthly mission were in
the midst of Israel. Among them he was slain for
the sins of the world; his body was laid in a tomb
cut in the rock of the promised land; in the midst of
those with whose fathers he had covenanted he
ascended up to his Father.
After his resurrection he told his disciples that
Christ must needs suffer and rise from the dead,
'^That repentance and remission of sins should be
preached in his name among all nations, beginning at
Jerusalem;" Luke 2^. 47.
So necessary did Jesus consider it, that the bless-
ings and power of the Gospel should go forth to the
world from the house of Israel, that just before his
ascension he commanded his disciples, "Tarry ye
in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with
power from on high;" verse 49.
Jesus once said to his Jewish disciples, ** Other
sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice ; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd;" Johfi 10. 16.
While ministering among the Nephites, after his
resurrection, he told them what he had said to his
ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE. 249
disciples at Jerusalem, and also that they were the
other sheep which he referred to.
He further said to the Nephites, ''And they (that
is his disciples at Jerusalem) understood me not, for
they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they
understand not that the Gentiles should be converted
through their preaching; * ^' and they under-
stand me not that the Gentiles should not at any
time hear my voice ; that I should not manifest my-
self unto them, save it were by the Holy Ghost.
But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen
me;" ^ A^ep/iz i^, 22 — 24.
In another place the Lord told the Nephites how
the promise to Abraham, '' In thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed," would be fulfilled.
"And after that ye were blessed, then fullilleth the
Father the covenant which he made with Abraham,
saying, in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth
be blessed, unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost
through me upon the Gentiles;" 20. 27.
Thus we are assured that Jesus never has minis-
tered in person to the Gentiles, and there are no
promises for the future to them which involve such
administration. In this dispensation, all the bless-
ings of the everlasting Gospel have been restored to
the earth, through the agency of the house of Israel.
Of them a people will be prepared, and through them
a kingdom will be established, over v/hich the Savior
will reign on the earth. Then Israel will be the head
of nations, and the promise made to Abraham, ''Thy
seed shall possess the gate of his enemies," will
fully be realized.
For further information on this subject see the
following subjects in this work: Gathering of
Israel, Apostacy of the Primitive Chitrch^' and
Millennial Reigii.
Z2.i^^' ^'^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ *^y fathers Abraham, Isaac and
tlons ^^^ ^ "^^ ^^^^ forever, and my memorial unto all genera^
250 ISRAEL A CHOSEN PEOPLE.
6. 7 will take you to me for a people, and will be to you a God.
19. 5 ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.
6 ye shall be to me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation.
23. 22 I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adver-
sary unto thine adversaries.
29. 45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and be their
Num. 6. 27 they shall put my name upon Israel, and I will
bless them. , ^
24. 9 blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curs-
eth thee.
Dent 7. 15 I will lay them on all them that hate thee.
26. 18, 19 to make thee high above all nations, and an holy
27 9 this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God.
2 Chron. 9. 8 because the Lord loved Israel, to establish them
forever. • . , ., ^
Fsalm 105. 6 ye seed of Abraham, his servant, ye children of
Jacob, his chosen.
la^x 4 Lord hath chosen Jacob for himself, and Israel for his
peculiar treasure. , , ^,
137. 8, 9 O Babylon, happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as
thou hast served us.
Isa 10. 5—19 Assyria to be taken and destroyed.
14. 2 they shall take them captives whose captives they were.
29. 7, 8 all the nations that fight against Ariel shall be as a
dream. , , ^ .^ ,
41. 8 Jacob, whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, my
friend. 9. , ^ ^ ^ ^
43. 10 my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I
have chosen. 20. „ . ,,
45. 4 Israel, mine elect. I have even called thee by name.
49 24, 25 even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away.
26 1 will feed them that oppress thee on their own flesh.
54. 15 whosoever shall gather against thee shall fall. 17.
Jer. 2. 3 all that devour him shall offend ; evil shall consume
upon them. , ^ ., ,
10. 25 pour out thy fury on the heathen, for they have eaten up
Tacob
30.* 11 though I make a full end of all nations whither I have
scattered thee, I will not make a full end of thee. 16, 24.
Heb. 8. 10 I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a
people.
SPIRITS IN PRISON,
251
SPIRITS IN PRISON,
The writings of every dispensation of the Priest-
hood evidence that the Creator provided a place of
confinement or retention, where intelhgences await
future events concerning themselves.
Several hundred years before the flood, the Lord,
speaking to Enoch concerning the wicked, said:
''Behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall
perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up;
a prison have I prepared for them;" P, of G. P.,
page 20.
The idea of a pit or prison for man, appears to
have been quite definite in the mind of Job; speaking
of God's dealings with man, he says, "He keepeth
back his soul trom the pit, and his life from perish-
ing by the sword;" 2>3' i^*
The Psalmist David called this place hell or
place of departed spirits, for he said of the Lord,
'* Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;" Psalvi 16. 10.
The latter part ot the passage evidences that he was
looking forward to the resurrection ot Christ, to open
the way for his release, ''Neither wilt thou suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption."
Speaking ot the latter times, the Lord said,
through the prophet Isaiah, " Fear, and the pit, and
the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the
earth. * * * And it shall come to pass
in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of
the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the
the earth upon the earth. And they shall be
gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the
pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many
days shall they be visited;" 24. 17, 21, 22. This
passage from Isaiah is very definite on this subject.
The assertion, "After many days shall they be
252 SPIRITS IN PRISON.
visited," certainly infers that a time would come
when they might be released.
The Lord speaking of another person says, ** I
the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will
hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and will give
thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the
Gentiles." The following verse shows that the Lord
would call and keep this servant of his for a special
work, and that was, '' To open the blind eyes, to
bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them
that sit indarkness out of the prison house;" 42. 6, 7.
This passage explains how those who would be
gathered as prisoners into the pit, and be shut up in
prison, were to be visited after many days. Ot simi-
lar import is Isa, 49. 5 — 9.
The apostle Peter was evidently quite familar with
this subject: "For Christ also hath once suftered lor
sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened
by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached
unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were dis-
obedient, when once the long suffering of God waited
in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing;"
I Pet. 3. 18 — 20. The Nephite, as well as the Jewish
prophets, speak of a place of confinement for spirits;
*^ Wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their
dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and
the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the
bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to
the other;" 2 Nephi(^, 12.
These spirits, which are delivered from hell, are
not the spirits of the righteous, for, in the thirteenth
verse of the same chapter, the prophet says, " For
on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver
up the spirits of the righteous."
These passages show us that the spirits of the
wicked go to a prison, or hell, and the spirits of the
righteous to the paradise of God, a place of light
and freedom. Doubtless it was the same paradise
which Jesus referred to, when he said to the thief on
the cross, " To-day shalt thou be with me in para-
dise;" Luke%i. 43,
SPIRITS IN PRISON. 253
The Lord said, in a revelation to the prophet
Joseph, *« I am the same which have taken the Zion
of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say,
even as many as have believed in my name. ^' ••• *
But behold, the residue of the wicked have I kept
in chains of darkness until the judgment of the
great day, which shall come at the end of the earth;
and even so will 1 cause the wicked to be kept, that
will not hear my voice but harden their hearts;"
Doc. &^ Cov. 38. 4 — 6.
This subject is still more fully explained in
another revelation, through Joseph, the Seer. After
the Lord instructed him concerning the first resur-
rection he says, ^*And after this another angel shall
sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh
the redemption of those who are Christ's at his
coming; v/ho have received their part in that prison
which is prepared for them, that they might receive
the Gospel, and be judged according to men in the
flesh;" 88. 99. This verse informs us that when
Christ comes there will be a class of spirits who will
be redeemed from prison, because they will have
paid the penalty of transgression, and will have ac-
cepted the Gospel which will have been preached to
them in prison.
After the spirits who are prepared for redemption
shall be brought out of prison by the resurrection,
then "Another trump shall sound, which is the third
trump ;^ and then conleth the spirits of men who are
to be judged, and are found under condemnation.
And these are the rest of the dead, and they live not
again until the thousand years are ended, neither
again, until the end of the earth;" verses 100 and
lor. That is, all the dead that remain after the
redemption of those prepared, are those who are
under condemnation, and they will not come forth
through the resurrection until after the Millennium of
a thousand years, and not until after the *'little season"
in which Satan will be loosed; or the end of the
earth. It is mournful to think, that, even after so
long a period of probation, or trial, there will be then
ot these spirits those who will still have to remain
254 SPIRITS IN PRISON.
in the prison house, for verse 102 says, " There are
found among those who are to remain, until that
great and last day, even the end, who shall remain
filthy still."
In another revelation we are informed, that a part
of those who inherit a terrestrial glory, will be "The
spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited,
and preached the Gospel unto them, that they might
be judged according to men in the flesh, Who received
not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but after-
wards received it;" sec, 76. ']'}^^ 74.
Job !?• 16 they shall go down to the bars of the pit.
S3. 24 deliver him from going down to the pit : I have found a
ransom. 28, 30.
Fscdm 9. 17 the wicked shall be turned into hell.
28. 1 lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that gv)
down to the pit, •
30. 3 thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the
pit.
69. 15 let not the pit shut her mouth on me.
142. 7 bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name.
143. 7 hide. not thy lace from me, lest I be like unto those that
go down to the pit.
Isa. 14. 15 yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides
of the pit.
42. 16 I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not.
61. 1 to proclaim liberty to the captives, to open the prison to
those that are bound.
Ezek. 26. 20 bring thee down with them that descend into the
pit, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth.
31. 14—18 for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether
parts of the earth. Thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircum-
cised. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude.
32. 18—32 several nations enumerated who were slain by tho
sword, and whose multitudes went down to the pit.
Zech. 9. 11 by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy
prisoners out of the pit.
Matt. 12. 32 whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall
not be forgiven him in this world, nor the world to come.
Luke 12. 47, 48 some shall be beaten with few, some with many
stripes.
Acts 2. 34 for David is not ascended into heaven.
Rev. 5. 13 every creature which is in heaven, on earth, and
under the earth.
20. 7 when the thousand years are ended, Satan shall be loosed
out of his prison.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY. - 255
Sec. 19. 6 it is not written that there shall be no end to this tor-
ment.
45. 17 as ye have looked upon the long absence of your spirits
from your bodies to be a bondage, I will show you how the day
of redemption will come. 45, 46.
54 and then shall the heathen nations be redeemed.
78. 12 be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan, until the
day of redemption. Sec, 82, 21,
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY AND TWELVE
APOSTLES.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
It is revealed unto us in Doc. &^ Cov., 20. 2, 3,
that Joseph Smith, Jun., was called of God and
ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ to be
the first Elder of this church; and that Oliver Cow-
dery was also called of God, an Apostle of Jesus
Christ, to be the second Elder of this church. In j^^^.
18. we are informed that Oliver Cowdery and
David Whitmer were called with that same callino-
with which the apostle Paul was called; but of
Joseph Smith. Jun., the Lord said, 8th verse,
*^Marvel not that I have called him unto mine
own purpose, which purpose is known in me." In
sec 2y. 12, the Savior says: ^'And also with Peter,
and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by
whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be
Apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and
bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things
which I revealed unto them."
Joseph, the first Apostle, continued as directed of
the Lord from time to time to organize and develop
256 THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
the offices and ordinances of the church, for the
saints were informed, in sec, 43. 3, *'Ye shall know
assuredly that there is none other appointed unto you
to receive commandments and revelations until he be
taken, if he abide in me."
In sec, 107, on Priesthood, instructions are given
how to organize various councils and presidencies,
in which is, verse 22, " Of the Melchisedek Priest-
hood, three presiding High Priests, chosen by
the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and
upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the
church." Verse 9, ''The Presidency of the High
Priesthood, after the order of Melchisedek, have a
right to officiate in all the offices in the church ;" and,
as in verses 18, 19, to hold the keys of all the spir-
itual blessings of the church" — to have the privilege
of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven —
to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune
with the general assembly and church of the first-
born, and to enjoy the communion and presence of
God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new
covenant.
In verses 91-2, *^The duty of the President of the
office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the
whole church, and to be like unto Moses. Yea, to be
a Seer, a revelator, a translator and a prophet, having
all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head
of the church." In this light and sense does the
church uphold, by their vote, their faith and their
prayers, the First Presidency of the church, or the
Presiding High Priest over the High Preisthood of
the church.
THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
The Twelve Apostles, or the twelve traveling
counselors, are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or
special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the
THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
257
world; and they form a quorum, equal in authority
and power to the three Presidents previously men-
tioned—the decisions of each being unanimous. Doc,
&^ Cov.,sec. 107, verses 23, 24. In verse 2,2, they ^' are
to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direc-
tion^ of the Presidency of the church, agreeable to
the institution of heaven: to build up the church and
regulate the affairs of the same in all nations; first
unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews."
The foregoing laconic description of their duties
is so comiprehensive that we will not detail further
than to refer the student to verses 23. 24, 35, 38, 39,
58 for further description of the duties of' the Twelve
Apostles.
In sec. 112, verses 30—32, the Lord says to them:
^*P or unto you, (the Twelve,) and those (the First
Presidency) who are appointed with you to be your
counselors and your leaders, is the power of this
Priesthood given, for the last days and for the last
tmie, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness
of times, which power you hold in connection with
all those who have received a dispensation at any
time from the beginning of the creation.''
At the dedication of the Temple in Kirtland, the
Prophet Joseph '' called upon the quorums and the
congregation of Saints to acknowledge the Tw^elve
Apostles, who were present, as Prophets, Seers and
Revelators, and special witnesses to all the nations
of the earth, holding the keys of the kingdom, to un-
lock it, or cause it to be done, among them, and up-
hold them with their prayers, which they assented to
by rising:" His. of Joseph Smith, March 27, 1836.
^ The following is a list of the names, time of
birth and date of membership of the First Presi-
dency and of the Twelve Apostles of this Dispensa-
tion, given in the order in which they were set apart
to those offices, so far as v/e have ascertained:
Lyman E Johnson was born October 24, 1811, at Pomfret. Wind-
sor County Vermont; was ordained an apostle at the organiza-
tion of the first Council ot Apostles, at Kutland, February 14. 1835
and was cut off from the Council and the church April 13. 1838!
at Far West, Missouri. i' 1 "^
IB
258
THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
Brigham Young was born June 1, 1801, at Whittingham, Wind-
sor County, Vermont ; was ordained an apostle February 14, 1835,
at Klrtland. From the apostacy of Thomas B. Marsh in October,
1838, he was President of the Twelve, and from December 27, 1&17,
was sustained as First President of the church, with Heber C. Kim-
ball and Willard Richards as his counselors. This position he
occupied until his death, on the 29th of August, 1877.
Heber C. Kimball was born June 14, 1801, at Sheldon, Franklin
County, Vermont ; was ordained an apostle February 14, 1835, at
Kirtland, and was first counselor to President Brigham Young,
from December 27, 1847, until his death, on the 22d of June
1868.
Orson Hyde was born January 8, 1805, at Oxford, New Haven
County, Connecticut ; was ordained an apostle February 15,1835,
at Kirtland, and died at Spring City, Utah, November 28, 1878.
David W. Patten was born in the State of New York, about
A. D. 1800; was ordained an apostle Februrary 15, 1835, at Kirt-
land. He was fatally shot, by a mob, at Crooked River, Mis-
souri, on the 25th of October, 1838, and died the sarae day, firm in
the faith.
Luke S. Johnson was born Novembers, 1807, at Pomfret, Wind-
sor County, Vermont ; was ordained an apostle February 15, 1835,
at Kirtland. He was disfellowshipped September 3, 1837, at Kirt
land, and was cut off at Far West, April 13, 1838.
William E. McLellin was born in Tennessee, supposed in 1806 ;
was ordained an apostle February 15, 1835, at Kirtland. He was
cut off May 11, 1838, at Far West.
John F. Boynton was born September 20, 1811, at Bradford, Es-
sex County, Massachusetts ; was ordained an apostle February 15,
1835, at Kirtland. He was cut off September 3, 1837, at Kirtland.
William Smith was born March 13, 1811, at Royalton, Windsor
County, Vermont ; was ordained an apostle February 15, 1835, at
Kirtland. He was deprived of the apostleship October 7, 1815, in
Nauvoo, and was excommunicated October 12, 1845.
Parley P. Pratt was born April 12, 1807, au Burlington, Otsego
County, New York ; was ordained an apostle February 21, 1835, at
Kirtland, and v/as assassinated near Van Buren, in Arkansas,
May 14, 1857.
Thomas B. Marsh was born November 1, 1799, at Acton, Massa-
chusetts ; was ordained an apostle April 25 or 26. 1»885, at Kirtland.
He was cut off for apostacy, atQuincy. Jjlii oib, March 17, 1839
Orson Pratt was born September 19, 1811, at Hartford. Washing-
ton County, New York ; was ordained an apostle April 26, 1835, at
Kirtland. He died at his residence in Salt Lake City, October 3,
1881.
John Taylor was born November 1, 1808, at Milnthorpe, West-
moreland, England; was ordained an apostle December 19, 1838,
at Far West, Missouri. He was President of the Twelve from the
death of Brigham Young, and has been sustained as First Presi-
dent of the church since October 10, 1880, with apostles George Q.
Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his counselors.
John E. Page was born February 25. 1799, at Trenton, Oneida
County, New York ; was ordained an apostle Deoomber 19. 1838,
at Far West, Missouri. He was cut off June 27, 1S46.
Wilford Woodruff was born March 1, 1807, at Avon, Hartfbra
CounQr, Connecticut J was ondained an apostle April 2ei, 1839, at
THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
259
Far West, Missouri. Since October 10, 1880, has been sustained as
President of the Twelve Apostles.
George A. Smith wfts born June 26, 1817, at Potsdam, St. Law-
rence County ]\ew York ; was ordained an apostle April 26, 1889
at 1 ar West, Missouri He was appointed and sustained first coun-
i?io^ ^?r Pi'esident Brigham Young, at the October Conference
18()8.__He contniued to hold this office until his death, September
1, lo/O.
Willard Richards was born June 24, 1804, at Kopkinton Mid-
dlesex County, MassacJiusetts; was ordained an apostle April 14
1840, at Preston Lancashire. England, by President Brigham'
loung and the Council of Apostles held there on that day He
was second counselor to President Young from December 27 1847
until his deatli, March 11, 1854. ' ^ »
Lyman Wight was born May 9, 1796, at Fairfield, Herkimer
County ^ew \ork; was ordained an apostle April 8, 1841, at Nau-
voo. He was excommunicated February 12 1849
Amasa M. Lyman was born March 30, 1813, atLyman, Grafton
County, Is ew Hampshire; was ordained an apostle August 20
lo42, at Nauvoo. He was deprived of his apostleship October 8
18b/. and excommunicated May 12, 1870. '
Ezrci T. Benson was born February 22, 1811, at Mendon Wor-
?§?^^^^?^^^^N^^-.^^L^^l'^^^^^^^^' ^^'^'^ ordained an apostle July 16
1846 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He>died at Ogden, September 3, 1869
Charles C. Rich was born August 21, 1809, in Campbell Countv*
Kentucky, and was ordained an apostle February 12 1819 at Salt
Latce City. He died at Paris, Idaho, November 17 1^83
Lorenzo Snow was born April 3, 1814, at Mantua, Portage
County Ohio; was ordained an apostle February 12, 1819, at Salt
Erastus Snow was born November 9, 1818, at St. Johnsbury
1 ormont ; was ordained an apostle February 12, 1849, a^. Salt Lake
City.
Franklin D. Richards was born April 2, 1821, at itlchmond,
Berkshire County, Massachusetts; was ordained an apostle Feb-
ruary 12, 1849, at Salt Lake City. Fuai.it; ± eo
George Q Cannon was born January 11, 1827, at Liverpool
Lancashire England; was ordained an apostle August 26, 1860 at
Taylo^0ctobl^r'lo'!!l8r'^"'''^ ^''^ counselor to President John
Brigham Y^oung Jun, was born December 18, 1836, at Kirtland
Geauga County, Ohio; was set apart as one of the IVeh'e Anos-
tles October 9, 1 868, in Salt Lake City ^
Joseph F. Smith was born November 13, 1838, at Far West
?R?-TQ'oir?o''i^'^^n'^?^ ''il'' ^^^ ^^^^^^^1 "^ Apostles October 6',
l^i' ^^-^"^^^ f u"^a?'^7- i^^ Y""^ sustained as second counselor
to President John Tavlor October 10 1880
Albert Carrington was born January 8,* 1813, at Royalton Wind-
SaU lX CitY^'"'^^' '^^' ordained an apostle July 3, 1870, at
rJlu?^l^^^'^^^^'''^ was born February 2, 1842, at Sangamon
SkeCitv "' ^^""^ ^^^^ined an apostle April 7,1879, St Salt
. F/ancis M. Lyman was born January 12, 1840 near Mo(^oTnh
26o PRESIDENCY AND APOSTLES.
John H. Smith was born September 18, 184S, at Carbunca,
Pottowattomie County, Iowa; was ordained an Apostle October 27,
1880, at Salt Lake City. •
George Teasd-ale was born on the 8th of December, 1831, at
London, England, and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles on
the loth ol October, 1882, by President John Taylor, assisted by
George Q. Cannon and others of the apostles.
Heber J. Grant was born on the 22d of November, 1856, in Salt
Lake City, Utah, and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles on the
]Gth of October, 1882, by President George Q. Cannon, assisted by
President John Taylor and others of the apostles.
John W. Taylor was born on the I5th of May, 1858, atProvo City,
Utah County, Utah, and ordained one of the' Twelve Apostles on
the 9th day of April, 1884, by President John Taylor, r.ssisted by
Counselors Geo. Q. Cannon, Jos. F. Smith and others of the apostles.
The first Eirst Presidency and Twelve Apostles of the church,
in Kirtland, were:
FIRST PRESIDENCY.
Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams.
TWELVE APOSTLES.
1. Thomas B. Marsh, 2. David W. Patten, 3. Brigham Young,
4, Heber C. Kimball, 5. Orson Hyde, 6. William E.McLeUin,
7. Parley P. Pratt, 8. Luke S. Johnson. 9. William Smith,
10. Orson Pratt, 11. John F. Boyiiioii 1 ;. Lyman E. Johnson.
The persons composing the first Council of Twelve Apostles
were chosen by the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, viz.:
Oliver Cowdcry, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, on the 14th
day of February, 1835. They were ordained Apostles by Joseph
Smith, Jun., Oliver Cowdery'and Da\'id Whitmer, as stated in the
History of Joseph Smith, under date of May 28, 1843;
In a revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far West,
Missouri, July 8, 1838, the Lord said to him: "Let my servant
John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and also my ser-
vant Wiiford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Ricliards,
be appointed to fill the places of those who have fallen, and be
oflacially notified of their appointments."
When Frederick G. Williams was rejected from the First Presi-
dency, on the 7th of November, 1837. at Far West, Hyrum Smith
was appointed a counselor in his stead, which position he occu-
pied until called to officiate as Patriarch to the church, after the
death of his father, Joseph Smith, Sen., which occurred in Nau-
voo, September 14, 1840, when William Law was appointed coun-
selor to the Prophet Joseph in Hyrum's stead. This office Wm.
Law occupied until the assassination of the Prophet and Patri-
arch, which occurred June 27, 1844, at Carthage, Illinois.
The First Presidency and Twelve Apostles as they stood in
Nauvoo, after the apostacy of Luke S. Johnson, William E.
McLellin, John F. Boynton, Lyman E, Johnson, Thomas B.
Marsh and Frederick G. Williams, and the ordination of Hyrum
Smith to the office of Patriarch, were :
PRESIDENCY AND AFOSTLES. 26I
FIRST PRESIDENCY.
Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigclon, William Law,
TWELVE APOSTLES.
1. Brigham Young, 2. Heber C. Kimball, 3. Parley P. Pratt,
4. Orson Pratt, 5. Orson Hycle, 6. William Smith,
7. John Taylor, 8. Jolm E. Page, 9. Wiiford Woodruff,
10. WMllard Richards, 11. George A. Smith, 12. Lyman Wight.
At a General Conference, held 011 December 27, 1847, at Kanes-
ville, (now Council BlufiS,) Iowa, the Saints acknowledged Brig-
ham Y'oung President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
8aints, and Heber C. Kimball a.nd Willard Richards his Counsel-
or-;. This action was confirmed at the General Conference, held
in Salt Lake Valley, after the companies had arrived in the Fall
of 1818.
In SrJt Lake City, February, 1819, after the assassination of the
Prophet Joseph, the apor-tr.cy' ot Sidney Rigdoa, William Law,
William Smith, John E. Page and Lyman Wight, the First
Presidency and Twelve Apostles stood as follows :
FIRST PRESIDENCY.
Brigham Y'oung, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
TWELVE APOSTLES.
1. Orson Kyde, 2. Parley P. Pratt, 3. Orson Pratt,
4. John Tay'or, 5. Wiiford Woodruff, 6. George A. Smith.
7. Amasa M.L\n)an, 8. Ezra ^T. Benson, 9. Charles C. Rich,
10. Lorenzo Snow, 11. Erastus Snow, 12. Franklin D.Richards
After the death of Counselor Willard Richards, March 11, 1854,
President B. Y^ouog nominated, and the church sustained Jede-
diah M. Grant, at the General Conference April 6, lSo4, as his sec-
ond counselor. Elder Grrnt filled this oftice until liis death, at
Salt Lake City, December 1, 18C6. He v/as born in Windsor,
Broome County, New York, February 21, 1816.
John W. Y^oung was born October 1st, 1844, a,t Nauvoo, Han-
cock County, Illinois; was ordained an apostle November 22d,
1855, by President Brigham Young, assisted by Heber C. Kimball
and Jedediah M. Grant, at Salt Lake City; on the 4th of February,
1864, he was set apart to be assistant counselor to the First Presi-
dency by his father, President Brigham Young, and on the 8th of
October, 1876, was set apart as first counselor to President Brigham
Young, by his father, assisted by Daniel H. Wells and Brigham
Young, Jr , at Salt Lake City, which position he occupied until
the death of President Y^oung. Since then he has officiated as
counselor to the Twelve Apostles.
Daniel D. Wells was born October 27, 1814, at Trenton, Oneida
County, New York; was ordained an apostle and set apart to be
second counselor in the First Presidency by President Brigham
Young, January 4th, 1857. He held this office until the death of
President Young; since then he has officiated as counselor to the
Twelve Apostles.
202 PRESIDENCY AND APOSTLES.
Qrv.u^^l'fJ® ^??^^ Of Presidents Brigham Young and George A.
l^^h^^^nr ^''^^ §^^1^' P^i^^y ^' ^^''^tt. Ezra T. Benson, Orson
i;ratt and Charles C. Rich, and the apostacy of Amasa M. Lyman,
lowsffrLipr^^^^^^ ^^^^'^^ of Apostles have been'asfo.]'
FIRST PRESIDENCY.
John Taylor, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
TWELVE APOSTLES.
1. Wil ford Woodruff, 2. Lorenzo Snow, 8. Erastus Snow
4. Franklin D. Richards, 5. Brigham Young, 6. i^lbert Carringrrn
V. Moses Thatcher, 8. Francis M.Lyman,9. John H. Smith,
10. George Teasdale, 11. Heber J. Grant. 12. John W. Taylor
Francis M. Lyman and John H. Smith were appointed and
'sustained at the General Conference in October, 1880, but were
not ordained, on account of the absence of Elder Lyman, until
the 27th day of that month.
Matt. 10. 2 — i the names of the Twelve Apostles are these.
28. 19, 20 go ye therefore and teach all nations.
3Iark3. U he ordained Twelve that they should be with him.
John 15. 16 ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.
Acts 1. 25 that ye may take part in this ministry and apus tie-
ship.
4. 35 laid them down at the apostles' feet.
16. 4 the decrees ordained of che apostles.
Rom. 1. 5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship,
11. 13 inasmuch as I am an apostle of the Gentiles.
1 Cor. 12. 28 God hath set some in the church, lirst apostles.
2 Cor. 12. 12 truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among
you
Eph. 2. 20 built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets.
3. 5 as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets.
4. 11 and he gave some apostles and some prophets, etc.
Neh. 3. 1 the apostle and high priest of our profession.
Jude 17. words spoken before of the apostles of our Lord.
Eev. 18. 20 rejoice over her, ye holy apostles and prophets.
Book of JHormon.
3 Nephi 12. 1 give heed unto these Twelve whom 1 have chosen.
13. 25 ye are they I have chosen to minister to this people.
19. 4 Jesus chose twelve disciples among the Nephites.
Chav. 28. Jesus' ministry to his Twelve Disciples; three chosen
to remain.
THE UNITED ORDER. 263
Mormon h 16 disciples taken out of the land on account of
wickedness.
3. 19 Nephites to be judged by the Twelve whom Jesus chose.
^utxinz attlJ CobtixantH.
Sec. 18. 9 called with the same callin;^ as the apostle Paul.
27 — 47 calling- of the Council of Twelve Apostles in this dispen-
sation.
19. 8 for it is meet for you to know, even as mine apostles.
20. 2, 3 Joseph Smith, Jun.,and O. Cowdery called and ordained
apostles.
27. 12 with Peter, James and John, by v/hom I have ordained
you apostles.
81. 63 you are mine apostles, even God's high priests. 64.
95. 4 prepare mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the last
time.
See A Pamphlet^ Succession in the Priesthood^ by j(ohn
Taylor.
Sermon by O. Pratt, y. of D,, Vol. ig, page iii.
** ** Geo, Q. Cannon, y. of D. Vol. 10 , page 2jo,
CONSECRATION— STEWARDSHIP
UNITED ORDER.
To the Elder or Saint who has studied the revela-
tions of our Lord Jesus Christ, as given in the Doc-
trine and Covenants, by the WghX of the Holy Spirit,
it is most abundantly manifest that the human family
has departed, degenerated or apostatized from origi-
nal methods in their secular or business concerns,
as truly, and as extensively, as they have in their
spintual interests, or the matters of iheir religious
faith.
Enoch instituted an order of things among his
people, in their business and financial relations,which
264 THE UNITED ORDER.
SO revolutionized their temporalities, that they had no
poor among them, and all rejoiced together in equal
hope of the life and exaltation^ offered to them in the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the
Father.
This very peculiar condition of things has been
revealed to us under the style of United Order ol
Enoch, and it would surprise many who have given
little attention to it to know how much is said in ex-
planation and support of this doctrine in the
Revelations.
We have thought that our little work could not be
considered complete without a studied article, ex-
planatory of this subject, but have concluded to give
some references and citations, and invite the earnest
students and scholars in the Church to investigate
these great principles of social reform which have
long puzzled the scientists and moralists of our age,
which are worthy the efforts of our best minds,
enlightened by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost,
and which God has promised to set in order in his
Church, in his own time and in his own way.
Psalm 50. 5 gather my Saints together, that have made a cove-
nant with me by sacrifice.
Matt. 19. 16—21 go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor.
Acts 4. ''«^1, 32 but they had all things common.
35 distiibution was made unto every man according as he had
need.
Book of JHormon.
4 Nephi 1. 2, 3 they had all things common among them, there-
fore they were not rich and poor, bond and free.
16 there could not be a happier people who had been created
by the hand of God.
24, 25 from that time they had their goods and substance no
more common among them.
Sec. 19. 26 Martin Harris was commanded to impart of his sub-
stance, for printing the Book of Mormon.
THE UNITED ORDER, 265
34 S5 Martin Harris commanded to impart all his substance
except sufficient for the support of his family.
42. 80 properties to be consecrated for the support ot the poor
by deed and Covenant. ^
82 every man to be made accountable to the Lord, as a steward
over his own property.
33 properties in the hands of the Church, or individuals more
than is necessary for their support, shall be kept to administer to
those who have not.
89 the riches of those who embrace the Gospel amon^ the Gen-
tiles, to be consecrated to the poor of the house of Israel
^/ he that is cast out of the Church shall not receive that which
he has consecrated to the poor.
51. 1, 2 must needs be that they be organized according to mv
laws, or they will be cut off. ^ ^
3 appoint unto this people their portion, every man equal ac-
cording to their families. ^
4 a^ writing given unto every man to secure unto him his por-
lion . o — / ,
58. 35—87 Martin Harris to be an example unto the Church in
laying his monies before the bishop. This is the law to everv man
who would receive an inheritance in Zion.
1 ''^-.^T^^ ^,° ^'"^^^ exempt from the law of consecration who be-
longs to the church .
78. 4 the order for the establishment of the poor to be ever-
lasting.
5, 6 all to be equal in heavenlv and earthly things
,^1.1 K the t^ainis to organize by, an everlasting covenant. He
who breaks it to be delivered over to the buffetings of Ratan
be brokln ^12-'l8''^"'^ *° ^^ ^^"^'^^ together by a covenant not to
21 the soul that sins against this covenant and hardens his
heart against it, to be turned over to the buffetings of Satan
in^;uJ~i ^^,^o^^,^Yjio cl?, i\ot keep the law of consecration and
tithing, shall not have their names enrolled with the people of
God; their genealogy shall not be found in the records of the
church, neither shall the names of the fathei« or children be
written in the book of the law of God. cniiciien De
^iJ:^\ ^ ^^^^ united order to be an everlasting order for the salva-
tion ot men until Christ come,
ordt^"^^ t^^ penalty of breaking the covenants ot the united
}l~^]Kt'^^T^ man's stewardship to be appointed unto him.
15, lb the Lord will provide for his Saints in his own wav
54, 5o^ the properties of the Saints are the Lord's, or else is their
raitn vain.
rr..-M.f'i?n^^T ^* "^^^ for the transgressions of my people, they
might have been redeemed even now. j t- t , ^y
4 are not united according to the law of the celestial kingdom
kin dim ^^^^^^^ ^^'^^ ^^^ ^""^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ celestial
9 elders to wait a little season for the redemption of Zion.
Pages 18, 19, 20 an account of thb city of Enoch.
2D6
GEMS.
See Sermon by B. Youngs y. of Z)., Vol. /j-, page 220,
tt II
(1 11
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y. Taylor, *'
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. 1
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146,
GEMS FROM THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH
SMITH.
May 25, 1835, in a Council of the Twelve, Brig-
ham Young, one of the Twelve, Elders John P.
Greene and Amos Orton were set apart to open the
door of the Gospel to the remnants of Joseph.
Presidency of the Twelve. — January 16,
1836, in a Council of the Twelve the Prophet Joseph
made the following remark: "The Twelve are not
subject to any other than the First Presidency, viz.:
myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams,
who are now my Counselors; (and where I am not,
there is no First Presidency over the Twelve.)"
A Vision. — January 21, 1836, the Prophet Joseph
says of this time; **The heavens were opened upon
us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and
the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I can-
not tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate
through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter.
GEMS. 267
which was like unto circling flames of fire; also
the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated
the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets
of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being
paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham,
and my father and mother, my brother Alvin, that has
long since slept, and marvelled how it was that he
had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing
that he had departed this life before the Lord had set
his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had
not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus
came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying — All
who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel,
who would have received it if they had been permit-
ted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom
of God; also all that shall die hencefo^tJywithout a
knowledge of it, who would have received it with all
their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I,
the Lord, will judge all men according to their works,
according to the desire of their hearts. And I also
beheld all children who die before they arrive at
years of accountability, are saved in the celestial
kingdom of heaven. * * •*"
'* Many of my brethren who received the ordi-
nance with me saw glorious visions also. Angels
ministered unto them as well as myself, and the
power of the Highest rested upon us, the house was
filled wiih the glory of God, and we shouted Hosan-
na to God and the Lamb."
The Spirit of Prophecy. — On the evening of
March 27, 1836, President Joseph Smith met the
Quorums of the Priesthood in the Temple, and in-
structed them respecting the ordinance of washing
of feet, and in relation to the Spirit of prophecy,
'^And called upon the congregation to speak, and
not to fear to prophesy good concerning the Saints,
for if you prophesy the falling of these hills, and the
rising of the valleys, the downfall of the enemies of
Zion, and the rising of the kingdom of God, it shall
come to pass. Do not quench the Spirit, for .the
first one that opens his mouth shall receive the spirit
of propliecy Brother G. A. Smith arose, and began
^68 GEMS.
to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound
of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple,
and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being
raoved^ upon by an invisible power; many began to
speak in tongues, and prophesy; others saw glorious
visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with an-
gels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The
people of the neighborhood came running together,
(hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright
light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple,)
and were astonished at what was transpiring."
What the Elders Should V kk Acn.—M'arc/i
30, 1836, the Elders met in the Kirtland Temple, to
attend to the ordinance of washing of feet, under
the direction of the Prophet Joseph. He made the
following remarks:
"That the time that we were required to tarry in
Kirtland to be endued, would be fulfilled in a few
days, and then the Elders would go forth, and each
must stand for himself, as it was not necessary for
them to be sent out, two by two, as in former times,
but to go in all meekness, in sobriety, and preach
Jesus Christ and him crucified; not to contend with
others on account of their faith, or systems of reli-
gion, but pursue a steady course. This I delivered
by way of commandment; and all who observe it not,
will pull down persecution upon their heads, while
those who do, shall always be filled with the Holy
Ghost; this I pronounced as a prophecy, and sealed
with hosanna and Amen."
The Comforter. — From instructions of the Pro-
phet Joseph, given at a Conference of the Twelve,
y7^ne 27, 1 839.
"There are two Comforters spoken of. One is the
Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pente-
cost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance,
and baptism. This first Comforter or Holy Ghost
has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more
powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the
understanding, and storing the intellect with present
knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of
Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may
GEMS. 269
not have half as much visible effect upon the body;
for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the lit-
eral seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his
whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure
spirit of intelligence; while the efiect of the Holy
Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood,
and make him actually of the seed of Abraham.
That man that has none of the blood of Abraham
(naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy
Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a pow-
erful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than
upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be
far before the Gentile in pure intelligence.
The Other Comforter spoken of is a sub-
ject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few
of this generation. After a person hath faith in
Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the re-
mission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by
the laying on of hands,) which is the first Comforter
then let him continue to humble himself before God
hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and livl
ing by every word of God, and the Lord will soon
say unto him. Son, thou shalt be exalted, etc. When
the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that
the man is determined to serve him at all hazaixN
then the man will find his calling and his election made
sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other
Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints
as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the
14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th'verses
Now, what is this ot/ier Co7?iforter ? It is no
more or less than ihe Lord Jesus Christ himself-
and this is the sum and substance of the whole mat-
ter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter
he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend
him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even
he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will
take up their abode with him, and the visions of the
heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will
teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect
knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God •
270 GEMS.
and this'is the state and place the ancient Saints ar-
rived at when they had such glorious visions — Isaiah,
Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in
the three heavens, and all the Saints v^ho held com-
munion with the general assembly and Church of the
First Born, etc.
''The Spirit of Revelation is in connection
with these blessings. A person may profit by notic-
ing the first intimations of the Spirit of Revelation;
for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing
unto you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas,
that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same
day or soon; (i. e.,) those things that were presented
unto your mind by the Spirit of God, will come to
pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and
understanding it, you may grow into the principle of
Revelation, until you become perfect in Christ
Tesus,"
^ToRGiVE One Another. — '^ Ever keep in exer-
cise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive
our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and
asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our
brother, or even our enemy, before they repent or ask
forgiveness, our Pleavenly Father would be equally
as merciful unto us."
Keys. — July 2, 1839, at a meeting of the Twelve
and some of the Seventies, President Joseph Smith
made the following* remarks: '^O ye Twelve! and all
Saints! profit by this important key — that in all your
trials, troubles, temptations, afflictions, bonds, impris-
onments and death, see to it, that you do not betray
heaven; that you do not betray jfesus Christ; that
you do not betray the brethren; that you do not be-
tray the revelations of God, whether in the Bible,
Book of Mormon, or Doctrine and Covenants, or any
other that ever was or ever will be given and revealed
unto man in this world or that which is to Come.
Yea, in all your kicking and flounderings, see to it
that you do not this thing, lest innocent blood be
found in your skirts, and you go down to hell. All
other sins are not to be compared to sinning against
the Holy Ghost, and proving a traitor to thy brethren*
GEMS. 271
I will ^ive unto you one of the keys of the mysteries
of the kinojdom. It is an eternal principle, that has
existed with God from all eternity: That man who
rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the
Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he
himself is righteous, then know assuredly, that that
man is in the highroad to apostacy; and if he does
not repent, will apostatize, as God lives.
The principle is as correct as the one Jesus put
forth in saying, that he who seeketh a sign is an adulter-
ous person; and that principle is eternal, undeviat-
ing, and firm as the pillars of heaven; for whenever
you see a man seeking after a sign, you may set it
down that he is an adulterous man.
Coming of the Son of Man. — On another
occasion about this time the prophet Joseph made
the following remarks: ''Men profess to pro-
phesy. I will prophesy that the signs of the com-
ing of the Son of Man are already commenced. One
pestilence will desolate after another. We shall
soon have war and bloodshed. The moon will be
turned into blood. I testify of these things, and that
the coming of the Son of Man is nigh, even at your
doors. If our souls and our bodies are not looking
forth for the coming of the Son of Man ; and after
we are dead, if we are not looking forth, &c.; we
shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to
fall upon us, &c. * * ^'' The time is soon
coming when no man will have any peace but in
Zion and her Stakes.
'"T saw men hunting the lives of their own sons,
and brother murdering brother, women killing their
own daughters, and daughters seeking the lives of
their mothers. I saw armies arrayed against armies.
I saw blood, desolation, fires. &c.
*' The Son of Man has said that the mother shall
be against the daughter, and the daughter against the
mother, &c. These things are at our doors. They »/
will follow the Saints of God from city to city.
Satan will rage, and the spirit of the devil is now
enraged. I know not how soon these things will
take place; and with a view of them, shall I cry
2/2 GEMS.
peace? No! I will lift up my voice and testify of
them. How long you will have good crops, and the
famine be kept off, I do not know; when the fig tree
leaves, know then that the summer is nigh at hand."
^ The Saints must Suffer. — Septe7nber 2(), i^2)9^
^^ Explained concerning the coming of the Son of
Man, &c. ; also that it is a false idea that the Saints
will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked
suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and Hhe
righteous shall hardly escape;' still many of the
Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith;
yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease,
to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the
flesh, and yet be saved in the kingdom of God. So
that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such
and such have transgressed because they have been
preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is sub-
ject to death; and the Savior said, * Judge not, lest ye
be judged.' "
Translation. — October 5, 1840. ^'Many may
have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a
doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into
the presence of God, and into an eternal fulness, but
this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is
that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for
such characters, be held in reserve to be ministering
angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not en-
</ tered into so great a fulness as those who are resur-
rected from the dead, *' * '•• This distinction
is made between the doctrine of the actual resurrec-
tion and translation: translation obtains deliverance
from the tortures and sufferings of the body, but
their existence will prolong as to the labors and
toils of the ministry, before they can enter into so
great a rest and glory."
Sacrifice to be Restored. — *'It is generally
supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when
the Great Sacrifice was offered up, and that there will
^ , be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in
\J future; but those who assert this are certainly not
acquainted with the duties, privileges, and authority
of the Priesthood, or with the Prophets. "• 9
GEMS. 273
\ "These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance be-
longing to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the
Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified,
be fully restored and attended to in all their powers,
ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and will
exist when the powers of the Melchizedec Priesthood
are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution
of all things spoken of by all the holy Prophets be
brought to pass?"
Book of Mormon. — NoveiJiber 28, 1841. In
council with the Twelve Apostles, Joseph Smith
said, ^^I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon .
was the most correct of any book on earth, and the ^
keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer
to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other
book."
The Resurrection.— J/«3:r^// 20, 1842. From a
sermon of Joseph Smith's: ''As concerning the res-
urrection, I will merely say that all men will come
from the grave as they He down, whether old or
young; there will not be 'added unto their stature one
cubit,' neither taken from it; all will be raised by the
power of God, having spirit in their bodies, and not
blood."
Spirit and Matter.— y^^/-// i, 1842. The Pro-
phet Joseph said, " In tracing the thing to the founda-
tion, and looking at it philisophically, we shall find a
very material difference between the bodv and the
spirit: the body is supposed to be organized matter,
and the spirit, by many, is thought to be immaterial,
without substance. With this latter statement we
should beg leave to differ, and state that spirit is
a substance; that it is material, but that it is more
pure, elastic, and refined matter than the body; that
it existed before the body, can exist in the body, and
will exist separate from the body, when the body will
be mouldering in the dust; and will in the resurrec-
tion, be again united with it."
Must be like God.— April 10, 1842. Joseph
Smith said, " If you wish to go where God is, you
must be like God, or possess the principles which
God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards
274 GEMS.
God in principle, we are goinor from Him and draw-
ing towards the devil. * * ••■ A man is saved
no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not
/' get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by
some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits
will have more knowledge, and consequently more
power than many men who are on the earth. Hence
it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowl-
edge of the things of God.".
Keys. — May i, 1842. *^The keys are certain
^^igns and words by which false spirits and person-
t-'ages may be detected from true, which cannot be
revealed to the Elders till the Temple is completed.
The rich can only get them in the Temple, the poor
may get them on the mountain top as Moses did.''
Charity. — ''The rich cannot be saved without
charity, giving to feed the poor when and how God
requires."
Signs. — "There are signs in heaven, earth, and
hell; the Elders must know them all, to be endowed
with power, to finish their work and prevent imposi-
\/ tion. The devil knows many signs, but does not
know the sign of the Son of Man, or Jesus. No one
can truly say he knows God until he has handled
something, and this can only be in the Holiest of
Holies."
A Prophecy. — August 6. 1842. *'I prophesied that
the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and
would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many
would apostatize, others would be put to death by our
persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of ex-
posure or disease, and some of you will live to go and
assist in making settlements and build cities and see
the Saints become a mighty people in the midst of
^e Rocky Mountains.*'
>^The Millennium. — December 30, 1842. "Christ
anci the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth
during the thousand years. They will not probably
dwell on the earth, but will visit it when they please,
or when it is necessary to govern it. There will be
wicked men on the earth during the thousand years.
The heathen nations who will not come up to worship
J
GEMS. 27s
will be visited with the judgments of God, and must
eventually be destroyed from the earth."
Sign of a Tiovk.— January 29, 1843 "The
sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of
the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the
Devil cannot come in the sign of a dove "
Coming of the Son of yiAn.~/iprtl 6, 18411
Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and
the Temple, and water come out from under the
Temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed.
Jt will take some time to build the walls of the citv
and the Temple, &c; and all this must be done be-
Th!. -11 r °^ ^^5 '"^^ '"^ke his appearance.
Ihere will be wars and rumors of wars, signs in the
heavens above and on the earth beneathT the sun
turned into darkness and the moon to blood, earth-
quakes in divers places, the seas heaving beyond
heir bounds; then will appear one grand sig^ of
the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the work
do.' 1 hey wllsay it is a planet, a comet, &-c. Bu
the Son of Man will come as the sign of he comin<r
ot the Son of Man, which will be^ as the liX of
the morning cometh out of the east "
Some Seek to ExcEL.-yJ/^y '14, 184,. «!„ this
world, mankind are naturally selfish, ambitious and
striving to excel above one another. * » l:^"-
the other world there is avariety of spirits. Some =eek
(0 excel. And this was the case wiih Lucifer vvhen he
fed. He sought for things which were unlawful
Hence he was cast down, and it is said he drew awav
many with h,m; and the greatness of his punishment
IS, that he shall not have a tabernacle. This is hs
punishment. " ^iHbisnis
forTl'^^s^SeTa'n7|raTd°lV' ?i:o^rtlr"'^T
hear the voice of Go'd and ki^ow 't'ha fesu's'Wa^s'fl e
Son of God this would be no evidence thaTtlieir
election and ca ng was made surp tht/ 1 u 5
part with Chris,, fnd wer"toinrh'eir'rUi7h m'
They then would want that more sure wnr,^ ^.f
phecy that they were sealed irtl/e' iTeavens ^an^d'
had the promise of eternal life b the kingdom
J
\/
276 GEMS.
of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto
them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and stead-
fast.^^
Hid with Christ in God. — May 16, 1843.
"Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many
others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can pre-
vent you from inheriting eternal glory, for you are
sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eter-
nal life, having taken the step necessary for the pur-
pose. *" * * The unpardonable sin is to shed
innocent blood, or be accessory thereto. AH other
sins will be visited with judgment in the flesh, and
the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of Satan
until the day of the Lord Jesus."
Three Degrees in Celestial Glory. — " In
the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter
into this order of the Priesthood; and if he does not,
he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other,
but that is the end of his kingdom: he cannot have
an increase."
Salvation. — May 17, 1843. "' Salvation means a
man's being placed beyond the power of all his ene-
mies. The more sure word of prophecy means a man's
knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life by
revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the
power of the holy Priesthood. It is impossible for a
man to be saved in ignorance."
Eternal Duration of Matter. — *' Speaking
of the eternal duration of matter, I said. — There is
no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is
matter, but is more fine or pure, and can only be dis-
cerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it; but when
our bodies are purified, we shall see that it is all
matter."
j< The Punishment of the Devil. — May 21,
1843. "The spirits in the eternal world are like the
spirits in this world. When those spirits have come
into this world and received tabernacles, then died,
and again have risen and received glorified bodies,
they will have an ascendancy over the spirits who
have no bodies, or kept not their first estate, like the
GEMS. 277
Devil. The punishment of the Devil was, that he
should not have a habitation like men. The Devil's
retaliation is, he comes into this v^orld, binds up
men's bodies, and occupies them himself. When the
authorities come along, they eject him from a stolen
habitation."
The Three Keys.— ^* We have no claim in our
eternal compact, in relation to eternal things, unless
our actions and contracts and all things tend to this
end. But after all this, you have got to make your
calling and election sure.
"If this injunction would lie largely on those to
whom it was spoken, how much more those of the
present generation. First key: Knowledge is the
power of salvation. Second key: Make your calling
and election sure. Third key: It is one thing to be
on the mount and hear the excellent voice, &c , &c.;
and another to hear the voice declare to you, you
have a part and lot in that kingdom."
John The Baptist.— yi^^y 24, 1843. ^^After
naming his text, the Prophet remarked that some one
had asked him the meaning of the expression of
Jesus— ^Among those born of women, there has not
arisen a greater than John;' and said he had prom-
ised to answer it in public and he would do it then.
'' It could not have been on account of the mira-
cles John performed, for he did no miracles; but it
was— First, because he was trusted with a divine mis-
sion of preparing the way before the face of the
Lord. Who was trusted with such a mission before
or since.? No man. Second, he was trusted and it
was required at his hand to baptize the Son of Man
Whoever did that? Who ever had so great a privilege
or glory.? Who ever led the Son of God into the
waters of baptism, beholding the Hofy Ghost des-
cend upon him in the sign of a dove? No 7nan,
^ '\ Third, John at that time was the only legal ad-
mmistrator holding the keys of power there was on
earth The keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory
had departed from the Jews; and John, the son of
Zachariah, by the anointing and decree of heaven,
held the keys of power at that time."
27^ GEMS.
The Principle that Crucified Jesus Christ.
— J2ine II, 1843. *' Many men will say, ' I will never
forsake you, but will stand by you at all times.' But
the moment you teach them some of the mysteries of
the kingdom of God that are retained in the heavens
and are to be revealed to the children of men when
they are prepared for them, they will be the first to
stone you and put you to death. It was this same
principle that crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, and
will cause the people to kill the Prophets in this
generation."
A Fulness of Ordinances Necessary. — *^A11
men who become heirs of God and joint heirs of
Jesus Christ will have to receive the fulness of the
ordinances of his kingdom; and those who will not
receive all the ordinances will come short of the ful-
ness of that glory, if they do not lose the whole."
The World of Spirits. — "Hades, the Greek,
or Shaole, the Hebrew: these two significations mean
a world of spirits. Hades, Shaole, paradise, spirits
in prison, are all one: it is a world of spirits.
'' The righteous and the wicked all go to the same
world of spirits until the resurrection. * *
The great misery of departed spirits in the world of
spirits, where they go after death, is to know that
they come short of the glory that others enjoy and
that they might have enjoyed themselves, and they
are their own accusers."
Three Persons in Heaven holding the
Keys of Power. — "Any person that has seen the
heavens opened knows that there are three person-
ages in the heavens who hold the keys of power, and
one presides over all. ^' *" * As the
Father hath power in himself, so hath the Son power
in himself, to lay down his life and take it again, so
he has a body of his own. The Son doeth what he
hath seen the Father do: then the Father hath some
day laid down his life and taken it again; so he has
a body of his own; each one will be in his own
body."
Forgive all Men. — Jtdy 9, 1843. ^*Joseph re-
marked that all was well between him and the
QE!ix5. 279
heavens; that he had no enmity against anyone;
and as the prayer of Jesus, or his pattern, so prayed
Joseph — 'Father, forgive me my trespasses as I for-
give those who trespass against me,' for I freely
forgive all men. If we would secure and cultivate
the love of others, we must love others, even our
enemies as well as friends."
Necessity of Baptism. — The Gospel requires
baptism by immersion for the remission of sins,
which is the meaning of the word in the original
language — namely, to bury or immerse. * *
But I further believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost by
the laying on of hands. ^ * Might as weU
baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view
of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy
Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and
is good for nothing without the other half — that is,
the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Sealing of the Servants of God. — Auzrist
13, 1843. "Four destroying angels holding power
over the four quarters of the earth until the servants
of God are sealed in their foreheads, which signifies
sealing the blessing upon their heads, meaning the
everlasting covenant, thereby making their calling
and election sure. When a seal is put upon the
father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that
they cannot be lost, but will be saved by virtue of the
covenant of their father and mother."
The King of Salem. — August 18, 1843. "The
King of Shiloam (Salem) had power and authority
over that of Abraham, holding the key and the
power of endless life."
*^The Sacrifice required of Abraham in the
offering up of Isaac shows that if a man would at-
tain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life, he
must sacrifice all things. When God offers a bless-
ing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive
it, he will be damned."
The fulness of the Melchisedek Priest-
hood.— "Those holding the fulness of the Melchise-
dek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most
High God, holding the keys of power and blessings!
280 GEMS.
In fact, that Priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy,
and stands as God to give laws to the people, admin-
istering endless lives to the sons and daughters of
Adam.
*^Abram says to Melchisedek, I believe all that
thou hast taught me concerning the Priesthood and
the coming of the Son of Man; so Melchisedek
ordained Abram, and sent him away. Abram re-
joiced, saying. Now I have a Priesthood. ^ *
Elijah shall reveal the covenants to seal the hearts
of the fathers to the children, and the children to
the fathers. The anointing and sealing is to be
called, elected, and made sure."
Spirits of the ]vsT,—Oc^oder 9, 1843. "Spirits
can only be revealed in flaming fire or glory. Angels
have advanced further, their light and glory being
tabernacled; and hence they appear in bodily shape.
The spirits of just men are made ministering ser-
vants to those who are sealed unto life eternal, and it
is through them that the sealing power comes
down. * *
^^The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater
and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in
their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped
in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know
and understand our thoughts, feelings, and notions,
and are often pained therewith.
"Flesh and blood cannot go there; but flesh and
bones, quickened by the Spirit of God, can."
The Kingdom of God. — October \^^ 1843. "It is
one thing to see the Kingdom of God, and another
thing to enter into it. We must have a change of
heart to see the Kingdom of God, and subscribe the
articles of adoption to enter therein.
Adultery. — November 25, 1843.. "If a man
commit adultery, he cannot receive the celestial
kingdom of God. Even if he is saved in any king-
dom, it cannot be the celestial kingdom."
Saviors on Mount Zion. — January 20, 1844.
" The Bible says, ' Iwill send you Elijah the Prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord; and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers
GEMS. 281
to the children, and the hearts of the children to the
fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a
curse.'
^^Now, the word tiirii here should be translated
bind^ or seal. But what is the object of this import-
ant mission? or how is it to be fulfilled? The keys
are to be delivered, the spirit of Elijah is to come,
the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God
gathered, Zion built up, and the Saints to come up as
Saviors on Mount Zion.
^'But how are they to become Saviors on Mount
Zion? By building their temples, erecting their
baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the
ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings,
anointings, ordinations, and sealing powers upon
their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who
are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth
in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of
glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
children to the fathers, which fulfils the mission of
Elijah. * *
"The Saints have not too much time to save and
redeem their dead, and gather together their living
relatives, that they may be saved also, before the
earth will be smitten, and the consumption decreed
falls upon the world."
The Spirit of Elias. — March 10, 1844. "The
spirit of Elias is to prepare the vyay for a greater
revelation of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias,
or the Priesthood* that Aaron was ordained unto.
And when God sends a man into the world to pre-
pare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power
of Elias, it was called the doctrine of Elias, even
from the early ages of the world. * * -i'-
This is the Elias spoken of in the last days, and here
is the rock upon which many split, thinking the time
was past in the days of John and Christ, and no more
to be. But the spirit of Elias was revealed to me,
and 1 know it is true; therefore I speak with bold-
ness, for I know verily my doctrine is true."
The Spirit of Elijah.-— ^^Now for Elijah. The
282 GEMS.
spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have
power to hold the keys of the revelations, ordi-
nances, oracles, powers, and endowments of the ful-
ness of the Melchisedek Priesthood and of the king-
dom of God on the earth; and to receive, obtain, and
perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom
of God. even unto the turning of the hearts of the
fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the chil-
dren unto the fathers, even those who are in heaven.
* * Now comes the point. What is this
office and work of Elijah? It is one of the greatest
and most important subjects that God has revealed.
He should send Elijah to seal the children to the
fathers, and the fathers to the children. '^ *
I wish you to understand this subject, for it is import-
ant; and if you will receive it, this is the spirit of
Elijah, that we redeem our dead, and connect our-
selves with our fathers which are in heaven, and seal
up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection;
and here we want the power of Elijah to seal those
who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven.
This is the power of Elijah and the keys of the king-
dom of Jehovah. ^' *' Then what you seal
on earth, by the keys of Elijah, is sealed in heaven;
and this is the power of Elijah, and this is the differ-
ence between the spirit and power of Elias and
Elijah; for while the spirit of Elias is a forerunner,
the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling
and election sure. * * We cannot be perfect
without the fathers, etc. We must have revelations
from them, and we can see thattl-fe doctrine of reve-
lation as far transcends the doctrine of no reve-
lation as knowledge is above ignorance ; for one
truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian
notions in existence.
"This spirit of Elijah was manifest in the days of
the'apostles, in delivering certain ones to the buffet-
ings of Satan, that they might be saved in the day of
the Lord Jesus. They were sealed by the spirit of
Elijah unto the damnation of hell until the day of the
Lord, or revelation of Jesus Christ. * *
"According to the Scriptures, if men have received
GEMS. 283
the good word of God, and tasted of the powers of
the world to come, if they shall fall away, it is impos-
sible to renew them again, seeing they have crucified
the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame;
so there is a possibility of falling away: you could
not be renewed again, and the power of Elijah can-
not seal against this sin, for this is a reserve made in
the seals and power of the Priesthood. * *
"A murderer^for instance, one that sheds innocent
blood, cannot have forgiveness. David sought re-
pentance at the hand of God carefully, with tears, for
the murder of Uriah; but he could only get it
through hell: he got a promise that his soul should
not be left in hell. Although David was a king, he
never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and
the fulness of the Priesthood; and the Priesthood
that he received, and the throne and kingdom of
David is to be taken from him and given to another
by the name of David in the last days, raised up out
of his lineage.
'*This is the case with murderers. They could not
be baptized for the remission of sins, for they had
shed innocent blood."
The Spirit of Messiah. — ^^The spirit of Elias
is first, Elijah second, and Messiah last. Elias is a
forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and
power of Elijah is to come after, holding the keys of
power, building the Temple to the cap stone, placing
the seals of the Melchisedek Priesthood upon the
house of Israel, and making all things ready; then
Messiah comes to his Temple, which is last of all.
Messiah is above the spirit and power of Elijah, for
he made the world, and was that spiritual rock unto
Moses in the wilderness. Elijah was to come and
prepare the way and build up the kingdom before the
coming of the great day of the Lord, although the
spirit of Elias might begin it."
Eternal Life.— ^^r// 7, 1844. ''Here, then, is
eternal hfe— to knov/ the only wise and true God; and
you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and
to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods
have done before you,— namely, by going from one
284 ' GEMS.
small degree to another, and from a small capacity to
a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to
exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the
dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings,
and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in
everlasting power."
All Revelations are Spiritual. — "All things
whatsoever God of his infinite wisdom has seen fit
and proper to reveal to us, while v/e are dwell-
ing in mortality, in regard to our mortal bodies,
are revealed to us in the abstract and independent of
affinity of this mortal tabernacle, but are revealed to
our spirits precisely as though we had no bodies at
all; and those revelations which will save our spirits
will save our bodies. God reveals them to us in
view of no eternal dissolution of the body, or taber-
nacle. Hence the responsibility, the awful responsi-
bihty, that rests upon us, in relation to our dead; for
all the spirits who have not obeyed the Gospel in the
flesh must either obey it in the spirit or be damned.
■*' ** * The greatest responsibility in this
world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our
dead. The Apostle says, ^They without us cannot
be made perfect;' for it is necessary that the sealing
power should be in our hands to seal our children
and our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of
times — a dispensation to meet the promises made by
Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world for
the salvation of man.''
Sin against the Holy Ghost. — "All sins, and
all blasphemies, and every transgression, except one,
that man can be guilty of, may be forgiven ; and there
is a salvation for all men, either in this world or the
world to come, who have not committed the unpar-
donable sin, there being a provision either in this
world or the world of spirits. Hence God hath
made a provision that every spirit in the eternal world
can be ferreted out and saved, unless he has commit-
ted that unpardonable sin which cannot be remitted
to him either in this world or the world of spirits.
God has wrought out a salvation for all men, unless
they have committed a certain sin; and every man
GEMS. 285
who has a friend in the eternal world can save him,
unless he has committed the unpardonable sin. And
so you can see how you can be a savior."
The Contention in Heaven. — ''The conten-
tion in heaven was— Jesus said there would be cer-
tain souls that would not be saved; and the Devil
said he could save them all, and laid his plans before
the grand council, who gave their vote in favor of
Jesus Christ. So the Devil rose up in rebellion
against God, and was cast down, with all who put up
their heads for him."
FoREORDiNATiON OF Man.— i]/<^j/ 12, 1844. '^Ev-
ery man who has a calling to minister to the inhabit-
ants of the world was ordained to that very purpose
in the Grand Council of heaven before this world
was."
God DWELLS in Eternal Fire.— ''God Almighty
himself dwells in eternal fire: flesh and blood cannot
go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire. Our
God is a consuming fire. iVhen our flesh is quick-
ened by the Spirit, there will be no blood in this tab-
ernacle. Some dwell in higher glory than others."
The Resurrection.— "All men who are immor-
tal dwell in everlasting burnings. You cannot go
anywhere but where God can find you out. All men
are born to die, and all men must rise; all must enter
eternity.
"'In order for y(?M lo receive your children to your-
self, you must havr a promise— some ordinance, some
blessing, in order to ascend above principalities, or
else it may be an arigel. They must rise just as they
died: we can there hail our lovely infants with the
same glory— the sa^ne loveliness in the celestial glory,
where they all enjoy alike. They differ in stature,
in size: the same glorious spirit gives them
the likeness of glojy and bloom; the old man with
his silvery hairs w/U glory in bloom and beauty. No
man can describe iK to you— no man can write it."
Council of Fhon Priests.— February 12, 1834.
The Prophet Joseph said: ''No man is capable of
judgmg a matter, in Council, unless his own heart is
pure; and that w frequently are so filled with
286 GEMS.
prejudice, or have a beam in our own eye, that we
are not capable of passing right decisions, etc.
'*But to return to the subject of order: In ancient
days, Councils were conducted with strict propriety,
that no one was allowed to whisper, be weary, leave
the room, or get uneasy in the least, until the voice of
the Lord, by revelation, or the voice of the Council
by the Spirit was obtained, which has not been ob-
served in this Church to the present.
**It was understood in ancient days, that if one
man could stay in Council, another could ; and if the
President could spend his time, the members could
also; but in our Councils, generally, one will be un-
easy, another asleep; one praying, another not;
one's mind on the business of the Council, and ano-
ther thinking on something else, etc.
"Our acts are rendered, and at a future day they
will be laid before us, and if we should fail to judge
right and injure our fellow beings, they may be there,
perhaps, condemn us; there they are of great conse-
quence, and to me the consequence appears to be of
force, beyond anything which I am able to express,
etc. Ask yourselves, brethren, how much you have
exercised yourselves in prayer since you heard of
this Council; and if you are now prepared to sit in
Council upon the soul of your brother."
The High Council.— y^/y ii, 1840. ^^The
High Council met at my office, when I taught them
principles relating to their duty as a Council, and
that they might be guided by the same in future, I
ordered it to be recorded as follows: 'That the
Council should try no case without both parties
being present, or having had an opportunity to be
present, neither should they hear one party's com-
plaint before his case is brought up for trial; neither
should they suffer the character of any one to be ex-
posed before the High Council without the person
being prerent and ready to defend him or herself;
that the minds of the Councilors be not prejudiced for
or against any one whose case they may possibly
have to act upon."
By the Prophet Joseph, January 5, 1841.
GEMS. 287
'*At the organization of a school of instruction.
Description of Paul: He is about five feet high;
very dark hair; dark complexion; dark skin; large
Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrat-
ing as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice,
except when elevated, and then it almost resembled
the roaring of a lion. He was a good orator, active
and diligent, always employing himself in doing
good to his fellow man."
Different Degrees of the Priesthood of
Melchisedek. — '^Answer to the question. Was the
Priesthood of Melchisedek taken away when Moses
died.'* All Priesthood is Melchisedek, but there are
different portions or degrees of it. That portion
which brought Moses to speak with God face to face
was taken away; but that which brought the ministry
of angels remained. All the prophets had the Mel-
chisedek Priesthood and were ordained by God
himself.
The world and earth are not synonymous terms.
The world is the human family. — This earth was ^
organized or formed out of other planets which were
broken up and remodeled and made into the one on
which we live.
The elements are eternal. That which has a begin-
ning will surely have an end; take a ring, it is without
beginning or end — cut it for a beginning place and at
the same time you have an ending place.
A key: Every principle proceeding from God is
eternal and any principle which is not eternal is of
the devil. The sun has no beginning or end; the
rays which proceed from himself have no bounds,
consequently are eternal.
So it is with God. If the soul of man had a
beginning it will surely have an end. In the transla-
tion ^without form and void' it should read, empty
and desolate. The word created should be formed,
or organized.' "
Observation ON the Sectarian God. — ^'That
which is without body, parts and passions is nothing.
There is no other God in heaven but that God who
has flesh and bones. John^ 5. 26, As the Father
288 GEMS:
hath life in himself, even so hath he given to the Son
to have life in himself. God the Father took life unto
himself precisely as Jesus did
''The first step in the salvation of man is the laws
of eternal and self-existent principles/^ Spirits are
eternal. At the 6rst organization in heaven we were
all present, and saw the Savior chosen and appointed
and the plan of salvation made, and we sanctioned it.
We came to this earth that we might have a body
and present it pure before God in the celestial king-
dom. The great principle of happiness consists in
having a body. The devil has no body, and herein
is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain
the tabernacle of man, and when cast out by the Sa-
vior he asked to go into the herd of swine, showing
that he would prefer a swine's body to having none.
All beings who have bodies have power over those
who have not. The devil has no power over us only
as we permit him. The moment we revolt at any-
thing which comes from God, the devil takes power.
This earth will be rolled back into the presence of
God, and crowned with celestial glory."
Three Independent Principles. — May i6,
1 841. *' There are three independent principles; the
Spirit of God, the spirit of man, and the spirit of the
devil. All men have power to resist the devil.
'* They who have tabernacles, have power over
those who have not. The doctrine of eternal judg-
ment; Acts 2. 41. Peter preached, Repent, and be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remis-
sion of sins, &:c. ; but in Acts 3. 19 he says. Repent
and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out
when the times of redemption shall come, and he
shall send Jesus, &c.
"Remission of sins by baptism was not to be
preached to murderers. All the priests of Christen-
dom might pray for a murderer on the scaffold forever,
but could not avail so much as a gnat towards their
forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers;
they will have to wait until the times of redemption
shall come, and that in hell. Peter had the keys of
eternal judgment, and he saw David in hell, and
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY. 289
knew for what reason, and that David would have to
remain there until the resurrection at the coming of
Christ. Ro7?ia?is 9. All election that can be found
in the scriptures is according to the flesh, and per-
taining to the Priesthood.
The Three Personages.— Everlasting cove-
nant was made between three personages before the
organization of this earth, and relates to their dispen-
sation of things to men on the earth: these person-
ages, according to Abraham's record, are called God
the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer-
and God the third, the witness or Testator." '
Lehi's Travels.— 7?^7/^/^//^;^ to Joseph the Seer,
The course that Lehi and his company traveled from
Jerusalem to the place of their destination:
They traveled nearly a south, southeast direction
until they came to the nineteenth degree of north lati-
tude; then, nearly east to the Sea of Arabia, then
sailed in a southeast direction, and landed on the con-
tinent of South America, in Chili, thirty decrees
south latitude. ^
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
The events marked t are those about which the record doe*?
not appear siimciently explicit to make the year certain It is oc
casionally dithcult to decide whether the circunistance' narrated
iy.I^^l'^^i ^^^^"^ marked thus ** are based upon the supposition
i,^?V^J^'^ re-occupied the land of Nephi, B. C. 200 TMs mnv
^^ii"^}^^ ^^^^^ y^^-^' ^'1^' it is approximate ^^
The three dates marked thus * are based iipon the idea th«t th^
been about twelve years after its departure from jSffiem.
290 BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
B. C. signifies before the birth of Christ; A.C. after Christ; N.
A. signifies "Nephite Annals," or years after the departure ol
Lehi from Jerusalem; Y. J., joars of the Judges, or of the Re-
public.
B.C. N.A. Y.J.
Lehi and colony leave Jerusalem, and journey to the
valley of Lemuel, by the Red sea. 600 1
The sons of Lehi return to Jerusalem and obtain the
sacred records kept by Laban.
Lehi and colony reach the land Bountiful, where Ne-
phi commences to build a ship. 5S2 9
Mulek, son of King Zedekiah, with a colony leaves
Jerusalem.
Lehi and his colony reach South America. 590 11
A temple built, Jacob and Joseph consecrated ^,
priests, &c. before. 571 Bu
Wars and contentions, between Nephites and Laman- ^
ites, during ten years previous to 661 40
Nephi transfers the records to Jacob. The book of
Jacob opens. /46 55
Jacob, having committed the records into the hands of^
his son Enos, the latter transfers them to his son Ja-
rom. Many wars between- the Nephites and Laman-
ites during the days of Enos. 421 180
The Nephites have increased and scattered much over
the land ; they strictly observe the law of Moses and
are prospered.
The Lamanites, much more numerous than the Ne- ^
phites, often invade the Nephite lands. 401 200 ^
Jarom transfers the records to Omni. Many wars and
contentions during Jarom's days. 362 239
Omni has frequent wars with the Lamanites. 324 277
Omni transfers the records to Ammaron. 318 283 '^
The more wicked portion of the Nephites destroyed,
the righteous preserved. Ammaron transfers the re- /
cords to Chemish. 280 321
** About this date Zeniff leaves Zarahemla, with a
colony, to re-occupy the land of Nephi. He makes a
treaty with King Laman, and obtains the lands of
Lehi-Nephi and Shemlon. 200 401 ^
** The Lamanites make war with the people of Zeniff, j
but are repulsed with a loss of 3043 men. 183 418 -^
Alma, the elder, born in the land of Nephi. 173 428
** King Laman having died, his son attacks the people
of Zeniff, but is driven back. 161 440
**Zeniff confers the kingdom on his son Noah, 160 441
Mosiah I, born in the land of Zarahemla. 154 447
*The prophet Abinadi appears in the land Nephi, and j
reproves Noah and his subjects for their iniquities. 150 451 v
♦Abinadi again appears, prophesies, and is martyred. 148 4J3 ^
*Alma establishes a Christian Church at the waters
of Mormon, and afterwards, because of King Noah's
persecutions, removes with his people to Helam. 147 454
First Christian Church establiijhed in Zarahemla, by
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY. 29I
B.C. N. A. Y.J.
King Benjamin, who, at the same time, consecrates
nis son Mosiah king. ]25 47fi ^
A company sent by Limhi, son of Noah, to find Zara-
hemla, wander into the north country, and discover
numerous relics of the Jaredites. ^ i2S 47s
Knig Benjamin dies. A company of men, under Am- '
mon, start from Zarahemla to tind their brethren hi
the land of Nephi. They succeed, and help them ^^o
escape from the Lamanites, and bring them safely to
zarahemia. -199 .^-q ..
Moroni, commander in chief of the Nephite armies, ^"^
^^mt '?^ f^^h ^^?^' ^^^^^ eighty-two. King Mosiah I, !f, ^l*? a ^
dies, aged sixty-three. ' <^A^ -f
Alma,the younger, elected Chief Judge of the Republic. ^ '
The sons of Mosiah, with other Side's, start on a mis-
sion to the Lamanites in the land of Nephi
^''^^craft first introduced among the Nephites, by
Nehor slays the aged patriarch, Gideon, is tried, con-
aemned and executed,
t King Lamoni and his household converted by Am- /
Priestcraft spreads among the Nephites; pride and ^^ ^^^ ^
Contention develop in the church
ites'^fn ^hf il^nif ^f'V'^^^ '^'^.'''^^ amongst the Laman- >
ires, m tne land of Ishmael. \<<5{) ^iii 9 "-^
'^nl'?.^?!^^''-^^ amono-st the Nephites, notwithstand-
ing persecutions and increased wickedness. 89 51 o o
Amhci, a disciple of xNehor, desires to be king and to
destroy the true church ; his pretentions are reiected '
at a special election, by " the voice of the neonle -^
follower! ^ ^e^ellioii' and is consecrated king by his
^a^tlrilTm^i?^^*^^ '^ ^^^ '^^^^^^^^- --^- ^1-
The Lamanites invade Zarahemla, are joined by the
Amlicites and the united armiJs are defeated bv
Alma, on the west bank of tbe Sidon '
P«^?hLTn''f'^/y'^'^^l'''^'''^^ 5'"^^^^ ^« ^ on the
lTnds.'"^eace^^'^^^^^^^^ ""^ ^'''"'^ ''''''' '' ^^^- ^^n
^SSli^^^SSS?? ^"^^^^^"^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^- 3, ,,, .
The Nei;>hites because of their late afflictions, are "" '
humble, and many are baptized '
t Amnion and Lamoni proceed to Middoni, to release
Aaron and his brethren. They meet Lamonfs fa?he?
on t/he way : he attempts to slay Ammon
tfiilS' ^'""^ ""^ ^liddoni, releases tbe captive mis-
3500 Nephites baptized into the church. Great peace ^^ ^^^ ^ '
and prosperity amongst them. ^ ^^
t Lamom's father, king of all the Lamanites, baptized
2g2 BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
B.C. N.A. Y.J,
He issues a proclamation in favor of the Nephite
missionaries. 85 516 7
Pride increasing in the Nephite church, causes envy-
ings, malice, strife and persecutions. 84 517 8
Alma , on account of increasing iniquity, resigns the
Chief-judgeship, and nominates Nephihah as his
successor, who is accepted by the voice of the peo-
ple. Alma devotes himself 'entirely to the work of
the ministry. He sets in order the churches in Zara-
hemla and Gideon. 83 518 9
Alma, as i)residing High Priest, visits and ministers to
the people in Melek and Ammonihah.
Amulek visited by an angel ; he recieves Alma into his
house. They preach to the people of Ammonihah ;
are imprisoned and abused.
Zeezrom, the lawyer, converted, afterwards healed of
a fever and baptized.
Those who accept the Gospel are cast out of Ammoni-
hah, whilst others, men, women and children, are
martyred by fire.
Alma and Amulek delivered, by the power of God,
from prison. The prison is destroyed, and with it
their persecutors.
Massacre of 1005 believing Lamanites. 82 519 10
The Lamanites, as loretold by Alma, destroy Ammon-
ihah, with all its people, but are afterwards disas-
trously defeated by Zoram. 81 520 11
The church greatly increases during this and two fol-
lowing years. 80 521 12
t Second massacre of the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. 79 522 IB
t The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi arrive in the land of
Zarahemla. 78 523 14
The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi established in the land
of Jershon.
The Lamanites pursue the Ammonites ; are defeated
by the Nephites with great slaughter. 77 521 15
Korihor, the Anti-Christ, struck dumb, and afterwards
killed in a city of the Zoramites.
Alma, and others, proceed to Antionum and minister
amongst the Zoramite dissenters ; the majority reject
their words, and afterwards cast out their believing
brethren. The latter flee to the land of Jershon,
whilst the unrepentant ally themselves with the La-
manites and prepare for war. 75 526 17
The Ammonites remove to Melek. The Zoramites be-
come Lamanites ; the united armies occupy Ationum
and attempt to invade Manti. They are defeated by
Moroni and Lehi near the hill Riplah. The Laman-
ites make a covenant of peace and return to their
own lands.
The record of Alma closes. '4 527 18
Alma transfers the records to his son Helaman, leaves
Zarahemla, as if to go to Melek, and is never heard
of more.
Dissensions arise in the church ; the dissenters en-
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY. 2gj
B.C.N.A. Y.J.
deavor to make Amalickiah king. Moroni rears
" the title of liberty," the people rally thereto, and
Amalickiah retreats into the wilderness. The greater
portion of his followers are slain ; he escapes to the
Lamanites, rises in power, poisons General Lehonti,
kills the Idng, marries the queen, and is proclaimed
king. Moroni fortifies the Nephile cities. The La-
man Aes invade Ammonihah and Noah ; are repulsed
with great loss and return to their own lands. 73 528 1 >
Moroni commences his line of defence along the
southern line of the Nephite possessions. The La-
manites driven out of the East wilderness. The
foundations laid of Moroni, Lehi, Nephihah, and
, other cities. 72 529 2 ')
Never was a happier time among the people of Neplii. 71 530 21
Contention between the people of the cities of Murian-
ton and Lehi. The former flee northward; their
flight arrested by Teancum, who defeats and slays
their leader. The difficulty is settled, and both peo-
ple return to their own possessions.
Nephihah, the second Chief Judge dies ; his son, Pa-
horan, succeeds him. 68 533 24
Great contentions between the " king men " and " free
men." The people decide in favor of the continu-
ance of the Republic ; upon which the Monarchists
revolt. They refuse to take up arms against the in-
vading Lamanites, but are defeated by Moroni, 4000
slain, the rest are cast into prison.
Amalickiah captures the Nephite cities of Moroni, Ne-
phihah, Lehi, Gid, Morianton, Omner, Mulek, &c,,
on the Atlantic coast. He is defeated by Teancum.
Teancum enters the Lamanite camp at night and slays
Amalickiah. The Lamanites retreat into Mulek. 67 534 25
Ammoron, brother of Amalickiah, succeeds him as
king of the Lamanites, and takes command of tlieir
armies on the Pacific coast.
Moroni pays a short visit to the Nephite forces in the
southwest.
Teancum fortifies the Land Bountiful and the Isthmus
of Panama.
The Ammonites desire to assist in the war, but because
of their oath are not permitted; but 2000 of th.eir
sons, under Helaman, join the Nephite armies in the
southwest, v/here they find that the Lamanites have
captured the cities of Manti, Zeezromi, Cumeni and
Antiparah. 60 535 26
Moroni gathers fresh troops and reinforces Teancum in
Bountiful.
The Nephite forces in the southwest finish fortifying
the city of Judea.
t Tremendous battle in the wilderness north of Judea;
the Lamanites defeated, but Antipus, the Nephite
commander, is slain. ' 65 536 27
Mulek re-captured by Moroni, Lehi and Teancum.
;^V4 BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
B.C. N.A. Y.J
Jacob, the Lamanite General, killed. Lehi placed
in command at Mulek.
The Lamanite prisoners compelled to dig a ditch
around and fortify the city Bountiful.
The city of Antiparah vacated by the Lnmanites
and re-occupied by the Nephites. 64 537 2S
Pachus revolts ae^ainst the corflmonwealth, and en-
deavors to esta.blish a monarchy.
Moroni re-captures Gid, and releases large numbers of
Nephite prisoners.
Six thousand men, from Zarahemla, join the Nephite
armies in the Southwest.
The Lamanites surrender Cumeni. The Nephites
drive the Lnmanites eastward to the land of Manti.
They are afterwards driven out of that region by
Helaman.
Heiaman writes an epistle to Moroni, complaining of
want of reinforcements. 63 TGS 29
Pachus drives the Chief Judge out of Zarahemla ; he
seeks safety in Gideon. Pachus opens a treasonable
correspondence with the Lamanites.
Moroni, having received Helaman' s epistle, writes
twice to Pahoran ; on receiving the latters reply, he
gathers up troops and goes to his aid. The united
forces of Moroni and Pahoran defeat Pachus, who is
slain, and the rebellion is put down.
The Lamanite troops, driven out of the Southwest,
capture the city of Nephihah. • (2 530 SO
Provisions and 6000 men sent to the relief of Hela-
man, the same to the commanders in the East.
A battle fought on the road between Zarahemla and
Nephihah. 4000 Lamanite prisoners make a cove-
nant of peace, and are sent to join the Ammonites.
Nephihah surprised and captured by Moroni. Lehi
and several other cities on the Atlantic coast re-
captured by the Nephite generals. Teancum slays
Ammoron in the city of Moroni > and is himself slain
by Ammoron's servant. The city is captured by the
Nephites, and the Lamanites are driven to their own
lands. 61 540 31
Moroni fortifies the southern boundaries of the Ne-
phites, returns to Zarahemla, and transfers the com-
mand of the Nephite forces to his son Moronihah.
Helaman and his fellow-laborers re-establish the
Church : great humility of its members. 60 541 32
The Nephites begin to recover from the demoralization
and disorganization Incident to the protracted war. 59 542 33
Helaman dies. fShiblon takes charge of the sacred
plates. 57 544 35
Moroni dies, aged 43. 56 545 36
5400 Nephites, with their families, leave Zarahemla to
colonize the north country. Kagoth establishes ship-
building yards on the Pacific side of the Isthmus. 55 646 37
Large migration northward. Two of Hagoth's ships
never again seen after leaving port. 54 547 -38
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY. 295
EX. N.A.Y.J
Shiblon dies; the sacred records, &c., transferred to
Helaman, the younger.
Some Nephites dissent and go over to the Lamanites;
the latter invade Zarahemla, but are driven out by
Moronihah.
Pahoran dies. The Book of Alma closes. £3 548 39
The Book of Helaman commences. Tubaloth king of
the Lamanites
Three of Pahoran's sons contend for the judgment seat.
The people choose Pahoran, the younger. His
brother, Paanchi, rebels, for which he is tried, con-
demned and executed. One of his adherents, Kish-
kumen, assassinates Pahoran. Pacumeni chosen
Chief Judge.
The Gadianton robber bands organized. n2 549 40
The Lamanites, under Coriantumr, invade Zarahemla,
capture the city, slay Pacumeni, and advance north-
ward. Afterwards the Nephite forces, under Moroni-
hah and Lehi, destroy the invading army. Corian-
tumr slain. * 51 550 41
Helaman elected Chief Judge ; Kishkumen attempts
to assassinate him, but is himself slain. Gadianton
and his band retire into the wilderness. 50 551 42
Much contention among the Nephites. Many emigrate
North, as far as the great lakes. 4G 555 46
Great contentions. Helaman fills the judgment seat
with justice and equity. 45 556 47
The contentions measurably cease; the church is
greatly prospered: tens of thousands baptized.
The Gadianton robbers secretly increase in the more
thickly settled portions of the land. 43 558 49
Pride increases; the more humble members of the
church persecuted. 41 560 51
Helaman dies; his son Nephi succeeds him as Chief
Judge 39 562 53
Contentions and bloodshed among the Nephites ; the
rebellious affiliate with the Lamanites. ♦ 38 563 54
More dissenters go over to the Lamanites, who are all
the year preparing for war. 36 565 66
The Lamanites invade Zarahemla; the Nephites, ow-
ing to their dissensions and wickedness, are every-
where driven before them. 35 ^qq 57
The Lamanites overrun all the Nephite possessions as
far as the land Bountiful. The Nephites fortify the
Isthmus. 34 567 58
The Lamanites obtain possession of all South America. 33 568 59
Moronihah reconquers the most northern portions of
South America. 32 569 60
The Nephites regain about half their possessions, Zara-
hemla remaining: in the hands of the Lamanites.
Under the preaching of Nephi, and others, the Ne-
phites commence to repent. SI 570 61
No more Nephite successes, on account of the lack of
faith in the people. Nephi delivers up the judgment
seat to Cezoram.
296 BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
B.C. N.A. Y.J
Nephi and Lehi, having preached to the Nephites, go
over to the Lamanites in the land o"f Zarahemla,
8000 of that people are baptized. They then proceed
to the land of Nephi, where they are imprisoned, but
delivered by marvelous manifestations from heaven.
The voice of the Lord is heard by those assembled at
the prison, and they are surrounded by fire. The
greater part of the Lamanites are converted, and
they surrender to the Nephites all the lands they had
taken from them. 30 571 62
The Lamanites exceed the Nephites in righteousness,
and many of their missionaries preach in Zarahemla,
and the land northward Nephi and Lehi, also, go
north. Universal peace prevails throughout all the
continent, and both Nephites and Lamanites travel,
unrestrictedly, in all parts. 29 572 C3
An era of great prosperity. Much preaching and pro-
phecy by the servants of God. 27 574 65
Chief Judge. Cezo ram, slain by a Gadianton robber;
his son and successor suffers the same fate. 26 575 66
The Nephites again growing exceedingly wicked, the
greater part unite with the Gadianton robbers; they
also worship idols of gold and silver. 25 576 67
The Lamanites grow in righteousness, whilst the Ne-
phites increase in iniquity.
The Gadianton bands are utterly destroyed from
amongst the Lamanites, but are 'so greatly encour-
aged by the Nephites that they obtain sole 'manage-
ment of the government. 24 577 68
Chief Judge, Seezoram, assassinated by his brother,
Seantum.
Nephi, rejected by the people in the north, returns to
Zarahemla; he notifies the people of the murder of
Seezoram, is arrested as an accessory, but afterv/ards
released. The Lord makes a covenant with him,
and directs him to continue his ministrations. 23 578 69
Nephi, preserved by the miraculous power of God,
preaches from land to land. 22 579 70
Division, even to bloodshed, prevails among the Ne-
phites. 21 580 71
Contentions and wars' throughout all the land. 20 581 72
The internal wars, originating with the Gadianton
robbers, still continue. To stay the bloodshed, Ne-
phi prays for a famine : his prayer is answered. 19 582 73
The famine continues and spreads. 18 583 74
The whole land, both amongst the Nephites and La-
manites, smitten with the famine ; thousands die of
hunger and pestilence. The people, in their extrem-
ity, begin to repent; they exterminate the Gadian-
ton bands. 17 584 75
The Lord sends rain, and the earth brings forth abun-
dantly. Nephi is reverenced as a servant of God by
all the people. 16 585 76
The people rapidly increase ; the major part of both
peoples belong to the church. 15 586 77
10 591
82
9 5^'2
83
8 593
84
BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY. 297
B .C. N. A. Y.J.
Slight contentions on doctrinal questions. 14 587 78
The controversies increase; Nephi and Lehi receive
many revelations and put an end to the disputes. 13 588 79
Dissenters search out- the ancient abominations, re-
establish the Gadianton bands and commence war. 12 589 80
The robbers grow strong, defy the united armies of the
Nephites and Lamanites, commit depredations and
carry off many prisoners. Great loss of life on both
sides. 11 590 81
The Nephites again begin to forget the Lord. The La
manites remain faithful.
The people wax strong in iniquity.
The people do not mend their ways.
The people grow in wickedness and ripen for destruc-
tion. 7 591 8)
Samuel, the Lamanite, prophesies on the walls of Znra-
hemla; some attempt to kill him, others believe.
The latter seek Nephi and are baptized. Samuel es-
capes to his own land. Nephi performs many mira-
cles. 6 595 86
The greater portion ot the people remain in their
pride and wickedness, the lesser portion walking
more circumspectly before God. 5 596 87
The people grow more hardened. 3 598 89
The words of the prophets commence to be fulfilled,
signs and wonders appear, betokening the near ad-
vent of the Sovior; angels are vSeen by many; yet
the people still harden their hearts. The Book of
Helaman closes. 2 599 90
The Third Book of Nephi opens. Nephi departs out
of the land, and- is never again seen. Laclioneus
Chief Judge and Governor. 1 GOO 91
A. C.
The promised signs of the Redeemer's birth appear,
much to the joy of believers.
The two days and nights of constant light ; a new star
appears.
The majority of the people join the church.
The Nephites reckon their time from the Messiah's ad-
vent, 1 COl 92
The Gadianton robbers commit many murders; the
people not strong enough to overpower them. 2 C02
Dissensions increase, owing to many joining the rob-
ber band, especially among the young. 3 603
Wickedness and unbelief greatly increase. 4 GOl
Evil continues to gain strength to this time. Gadian-
ton bands grow so numerous that both Nephites and
Lamanites take up arms against them. 13 613
The robbers driven into their secret fastnesses in the
mountains and the wilderness. 14 614
Owing to dissensions, the robbers gain manv advan-
tages. * 15 G15
Giddianhi, the robber chief, writes an epistle to La-
choncus, calling upon the Nephites to surrender.
298 BOOK OF MORMON CHRONOLOGY.
A.C. N.A
Gidgiddoni chosen commander of the Nephite forces.
Lachoneus decides to gather all the Nephites from
both continents into the ]ands of Zarahemla and
Bountiful, and fortify against the inroads of the
robbers. 16 616
The people, with all their movable substance and
seven years' provisions, gather at the appointed
place. 17 617
In the latter part of the year the robbers sally out of
their hiding places and occupy the lands deserted by
the people. 18 618
The robbers, under Giddianhi, attack the Nephites.
The slaughter more terrible than in ony previous
battle amongst the children of Lehi; Giddir.nhi is
slain, the robbers are defeated and pursued to the
borders of the wilderness. 19 619
The robbers do not venture to again attack the Ne-
phites. Zemnarihah made chief of the robber
bands. 20 620
The robbers surround and ineffectually besiege the
Nephites, who make many sorties and slay tens of
thousands of them ; the robbers attempt to concen-
trate on the northern continent, but are cut off, their
armies destroyed, and many thousands taken prison-
ers, among whom is Zemnarihah, who is afterwards
hanged.
The Nephites greatly rejoice in their marvelous deliv-
erance. 21 621
All the jNephites believe the words of the prophets;
righteousness prevails. They preach to the robber
prisoners ; all Avho make a covenant to murder no
more are set at liberty, those who refuse are punished
according to the law. 22 622
The Nephites all return to their own lands on both
continents. 26 626
The laws revised according to justice and equity ; great
order throughout the land. 27 627
Many new cities built and old ones repaired ; numer-
ous other improvements made. 28 628
Disputings and contentions re-commence, pride and
other evils increase. 29 629
Lachoneus, the younger, Governor. The church
broken up, except among a few Lamanites. Many
prophets testify and are persecuted, some are exe-
cuted contrary to law. The officers committing
these crimes, on being called to account, rebel and
seek to establish a monarchy, with Jacob as king.
The Chief Judge is assassinated, and the ancient in-
iquitous combinations re-introduced. The Nephite
commonwealth is broken up, and the people divided
into numerous tribes. Jacob leads his followers into
the northernmost part of the land. 80 630
The various tribes more fully regulated. Nephi per-
forms many miracles; among others, raises his
BOOK Oif iviORMON CHRONOLOGY. 299
A.C. N.A,
brother Timothy from the dead. But few are con-
verted to the Lord. 31 631
Nephi continues his preaching and ministry; a few
accept his message. 32 632
Many join the church. 33 633
On the fourth day of the new year the signs of Christ's
crucifixion commence. An unparalleled storm rages
for three hours, convulsing the land and destroying
many cities. It is followed by three days darkness.
The voice of the Lord is heard proclaiming the des-
tructions that had happened.
Jesus appears to the people in the land Bountiful. He
preaches his Gospel, performs many mighty works,
and cliooses twelve disciples,
Nephi, the son of Nephi, takes the records. 84 G34
All the people are converted, and the church becomes
universal. The believers have all things common. 36 031
The disciples of Jesus work many wonderful miracles. 37 637
'Jhe people again becoming numerous. Zarahemla
and other cities rebuilt. 59 059
A.H the original twelve disciples, except the three who
were to tarry, have died by this date. 100 700
The first generation in Christ have passed away. Ne-
phi, the recorder, dies, and his son Amos takes
charge of the records. 110 710
A.mos dies. During his days a few apostatize and take
the name of Lamanites. His son, Amos, takes
charge of the records. 194 794
All the second generation have passed away, except a
few. 200 800
Pride appears in the church ; its members have their
goods no more in common, and sects arise. 201 801
Many churches established opposed to the true church
of Christ. 210 810
The wicked increase : the disciples and saints perse-
cuted. The three Nephites perform many miracles,
from the last date to * 230 830
The people divided into Nephites and Lamanites. 231 831
The more wicked portion of the people have grown
much the stronger. 244 841
The wicked build up many expensive churches to
their false faiths. 250 850
The members of the true church, or Nephites, begin
to grow proud and sinful. The Gadianton iniqui-
ties are again developed. 2G0,8u0
Both Nephites and Lamanites have grown exceedingly
wicked; none are righteous except the three dis-
ciples. The Gadianton robbers have spread over all
the land. 800 900
Amos transfers the records to his brother Ammaron,
and dies. 80f> 906
Mormon born. 311 911
Ammaron hides up the records in the hill Shim. 821 921
Mormon, the father of Mormon, brings his son to Zara-
hemla. War commences between the Nephites and
300 BOOK OF MORMON CHROINULUGY.
A.C. N.A,
Lamanites ; a number of battles are fought, in which
the Nephites are victorious. Commencement of
Mormon's record. 322 92'2
The three Nephites cease to minister among the peo-
ple, because of their iniquities. Things hidden in
the earth become slippery. Mormon endeavors to
preach, but his mouth is shut. War re-commences,
and Mormon is chosen General of the Nephite ar-
mies. 326 £26
The Nephites, under Mormon, retreat before the La-
manites to the north countries. The Lamanites cap-
ture the city of Angola, 327 927
t The Lamanites dri\'e the Nephites out of the land of
David into the land of Joshua. 328 928
t Revolution, blood and carnage throughout all the
land. The Nephite warriors gathered for battle into
one place. 329 929
The Lamanite king, Aaron, defeated by Mormon. 330 930
Great sorrow among the Nephites, because of their
pitiable condition. 331 931
Mormon obtains the plates, as Amma^on directed. 335 935
Wars, with much slaughter, until 344 944
The Lamanites drive the Nephites to the land Jashon,
thence northward to the land of Shem. The Ne-
phites fortify the city of Shem. 345 945
Mormon, with 30,000 Nephites, defeats 50,000 Lam -un-
ites in the land of Shem ; he pursues and again de-
feats the enemy. 34G 946
The Nephites regain the lands of their inheritance by
the year 349 949
The Nephites as one party, and the Lamanites and
Gadiantons as the other, make a treaty, by which the
Nephites possess the country north of the Isthmus,
and the Lamanites that south of it. Ten years'
peace follows. 350 950
By the command of the Lord, Mormon preaches re-
pentance, but the Nephites harden their hearts, dur-
ing the ten years ending 360 960
The Lamanite king declares war ; the Nephites gather
at the land Desolation. 360 960
The Lamanites march to Desolation, are defeated and
return home. . 361 961
The Lamanites make another invasion and are de-
feated. Mormon refuses to lead the wicked Nephites
any longer. 302 962
The Nephites invade South America, and are driven
back to Desolation. The Lamanites capture the city
of Desolation. 363 963
The Lamanites besiege Teancum, are repulsed, and
the Nephites re-capture Desolation. 364 964
The Lamanites re-commence war; they capture the
cities of Desolation and Teancum, but are after-
wards driven entirely out of the lands of the Ne-
phites. 367 967
The Lamanites again commence war. An exceedingly
TEMPLES AND SACRED PLACES. 30I
AC. N.A.
fierce battle is fought in the land of Desolation.
The Lamanites capture Desolation, Boaz and other
cities. Mormon takes up all the records from the
hUlShim. 375 975
Mormon, having resumed command of the Nephites,
the Lamanites twice attack the city of Jordan, and
are repulsed. They burn many Nephite towns. 379 979
The Nephites disastrously routed. 380 980
t Mormon writes to the Lamanite king, asking to be
allowed to gather all his people to the hill Cumorah,
and there give battle. His request is granted. 382 982
At the end of this year all the Nephites are gathered
at the hill Cumorah. 384 284
Mormon hides all the records entrusted to him in the
hill Cumorah, save the abridged records, which he
gives to Moroni,
The final battle, in which all but twenty-four Nephites
are killed, and a few who escape to the South. Mor-
mon closes his record. 385 985
Moroni records the death of his father and the extinc-
tion of his people, also that the Lamanites were at
war with each other all over the land. 400 1000
Moroni closes up the record. 421 1021
TEMPLES AND SACRED PLACES.
When the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, determined to
make that people a nation to himself, as soon as they had arrived
at a safe distance from surrounding peoples, he required them to
build a Tabernacle, which is sometimes called the Temple,
wherein he could institute certain ordinances and regulations for
their guidance and worship.
This, at the commencement of their pilgrimage in the wilder-
ness, was made portable, and of the costliest and best material
within their reach, and one of the tribes was set apart to have
charge of it and its appurtenances. Such has ever been the pur-
pose of the Lord. This served them through their journey and
in the promised Canaan, until suitable wealth enabled Solomon
to erect a magnificent Temple on Mount Moriah, since called
"The Hill^of Zion," to which all Israel came annually to wor-
ship or attend Conference.
The Lord has informed us Doc. & Cov., Sec, 124, v. 39, that his
people are always commanded to build TemDles, or holy houses,
rneerS^ii^^^^^^ an. their
laJXTy^'^r^xtL^n^"'^ was 55x65 feet, th/ "''"
building WmS Sfy"°Ws Cahoon ind® ??™r "'""es were
Of exterminaC ordirA??!^ abandoned foTtC™^?*'^'^ °n 'his
from tlie State. AbosHp» li/nS^^™'"- Bogi exntli??'^ <i? ^<=count
day ot^Xi^f %"0U3 h^^e /a^d m the^g^^^^^^^^
prodeedine-s -rt,; u ¥ bistory of thi^ Xff ?^'bood, on tlie 6th
Will offeril|-, of^he'Sionr^ ^^ °«ctedty tt?';ifhf'''^"^ °f "^
the 8th of 4vember^th»^^ """^ was so rapfdlv J,™'"*^f ^d free-
tty^eddlS^'e-u?-^^^
Miiir^^Sff^^T^^^^^^^^^^^
Withordinar7prosT)S?v''-V ^ ^^"^tance of abonr fw "^ ?^"^^ «^
Autumn of 1883 ^p'^^^'.^ts ^^^lls will be un tn f ho*'^^"^^^ ^"es.
inony of its Dai^« fV; ^ u ^^^ ^ot undertake « ^^e -^^ ^^^^r*-' ^7 the
-. our ^^s »^st%t«Bo2;||--|^
TEMPLES AND SACRED PLACES. 303
Millennial Star, Vol. 16, page 753, for a full description given by
its architect, Truman O, Angell.
The Temple at St. George, che site of which was dedicated by
prayer by President George A. Smith, and ground broken Novem-
ber 9, 1871, is 141 feet 8 inches by 93 feet 4 inches ; 84 feet from ground
to top of parapet. The basement is of volcanic rock, the upper
part of red sandstone, and contains about 1900 cords of rock, and
1,000.000 feet of lumber, and cost about $800,000.
The first foundation rock was laid March 10, 1873. On the first
of April follov/ing, a deposit of records was made by President
Brigham Young. On the first day of January, 1877, the Font, lower
story and first main floor were dedicated by President Wilford
Woodruff', and April 6, following, a general Conference of all the
authorities of the Church consummated its consecration, at which
Counselor Daniel H. Wells offered the dedication prayer.
The Manti Temple site was dedicated and the ground broken
by President Brigham Young April 25, 1877. The corner stones
were laid April 14, 1879. Its size is 172x95 feet, and 82 feet to
square. Its Eastern Tower is to be 179 feet high; the Western
Tower 169 feet high. This edifice stands on a hill, which required
2400 cords of rock terrace to provide for its location.
The site of Logan Temple is situated on an elevation ot table
land in the eastern part of the city bearing that name. It was
dedicated with prayer offered by Apostle Orson Pratt, May 18,
1877, and the ground was broken the same day. Instructions
were given by Presidents Brigham Young and John Taylor. The
corner stones were laid September 17, 1877. The building, includ-
ing towers and buttresses, is i71 feet long by 95 in width, with a
tower 28 feet square at each end, the Eastern tower is 156 feet,
and the Western tower 151 feet in height, and 87 feet from the
surface to top of battlements. It was dedicated May 17, 1884,
President John Taylor offering the dedicatory prn yer.
The location of the Temple sites at Independence, Kirtland,
Far West and Nauvoo were determined and consecrated by or
under direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who also directed
the designs and construction of the Kirtland and Nauvoo Tem-
ples.
The locations of the Temples at Salt Lake City, at St. George,
at Manti and at Logan were determined and dedicated by Presi-
dent Brigham Young, or by his direction. He also directed the
designs of the Salt Lake City and St. George Temples, and pre-
sided at the dedication services ot the latter house.
mm.
,^ Exo. Chapters 25, 26, 27, 28 give a description of the Tabernacle
\ constructed in the wilderness, with its appointments. This Tab-
^ ernacle is frequently called a Temple in the Old Testament ; as in
1 Sam. 1. 9.
1 Kings, Chapters 6, 7, and 8. Temple of Solomon is described,
Vith the dedication ceremonies.
Ezra, Cha'p. 6. The rebuilding of Solomon's Temple by Cyrus is
given. The decree is found in verf-e 3.
The final deimolition of this Temple was foretold by Christ in
304 TEMPLES AND SACRED PLACES.
^"^^1^%'?' '-T^is terrible prophecy was fulfilled by the Romans
under Titus about the year seventy of our Lord. tomans
JSoofe of JHormoTt.
I taulht them m thf ^SnV/^g^' ''''' """^ *^- '»^«- -"■''J^. -
un'o yU'the tvorVofaod: '"''^'''' ''''' ''^'- *«* ' "'S*^' '^<^<='^'«
^,>*-^^ get thee up into the Temple on the morrow etc
rr^ f- ; ^^^^"^^g^t gather themselves together to go up to the
Temple, to hear ihe words which his father should speak unto
toward the'Temple^^'"**^^^^ ^''''^'''^ *^^ ^^^'^^^^' "^'^^ ^^^'^ ^^^^^
Alma 16. 13 and Alma and Amulek went forth preachin<^ re-
pentance to the people in their Temples, and in their sanctuaries
and m their synagogues, which were built after the manner of tlie
Jews.
' 1 ^^.V^.^Vn *^^? ^^®y should have free access to their houses, and
also their Temples and their sanctuaries.
26. 29 we have taught them in their houses, in their streets
upon their hills, and we have also entered into their Temnles'
and their synagogues, and taught them. ^ '
HeL 3. 9 have timber to build houses, cities, Temples syna-
gogues, sanctuaries and all manner of building-s '
3. 14 an hundreth part of their building of ships, of Temples
synagogues and sanctuaries cannot be contained in this work '
.. l\?J^ 7^ ^^^^^ ^^y ^^^^ *^is Temple, it shall be rent in twain
it shall be done. '
of f^^^-r^- ^ i^^^^J^ city (New Jerusalem) shall be built, beginning
at the Temple lot, which shall be appointed by the finger of the
^ 4 even the place of the Temple, which Temple shall be reared
m this generation.
5 this generation shall not all pass away, until an house shall
be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, etc
31 which House shall be built unto the Lord in this generation
upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed. '
97. 10 it is my will that an house should be built unto me in
the land of Zion, like unto the pattern which I have given you
124. 29, 80 that they, my Saints, may be baptized for those who
are dead; for this ordinance belongeth to my House.
31 but I command you, all ye, my Saints, to build a House
unto me.
39 for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion
and for the glory, honor and endowment of all her municipals'
are ordained by the ordinance of my Holy House, which my
peopl 6 are always oommaiided^ baiM tmto my Holy Name.
GEMS,
305
t^^^^ you a.ain to
from generation to geLv.tlL,!Sttl'e^^^^^^
See Sermon by B. Young, J. of D„ Vol, r, pa^e 277
O, Pyatt,
2,
9.
16,
^7.
2g,
239-
271.
icO.
G. A. Smith, •« -17 " rr(\
GEMS FROM THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH
SMITH.
Joseph Smft^-s^a°„°s;^-e?fo Jh^qTstion'-^H^ow^'r?--;^^"^ «• '^^'^■
obtain the Book of Mormon?" -jioronTwh. 'h'"'^''''.'^''' y""
pin tes from whence the Book of MnrnVnn,^; ^''° ,<leposited the
{.. Mancl>e.ster, Ontario County VworkSinS^'''^',^*^'*!." ""J^"'
again therefrom, appeared unto m^^lah^^^.^^^^ ?"'J ''^i^ed
and gave me directions h<,w to obtain then? /^^i^'^-'^'^y ^^'^'•e.
and the Urim and Thummim with th?m hv tT. obtained tliem,
translated the plates; and this came t^e aLknf'v^L'''^ T.'^'ch I
Plurality of Wives— OctofeAisfo.?^' iiormon."
try those persons who were Keachini teaohi^r*' "'structions to
doc rine of plurality of wive?; for aceordi'^S^fn°HP'''i'^""'°S ">e
the keys of this power in the last Z'vs Sir 151* '°-'''^ '«■«'• I hold
on earth at a time on whom the "r a,ur,-J' T''^''^^^ one
ferred; and I have constantly said "^^^omnniln \''^^ ^'"^ con-
' 0;')^6erT'^iS"3'''V!r. Ifrd^di'JI^^.ts^o'tir; ile'^" ^'^^'^ "ut one
OMer b, ms. The Organization op the Spiritual and
jo6 CHURCH CHRONOLOGY.
Heavenly Worlds, and of spiritual and heavenly beings, was
apreeYwe to ihe most perfect order and harmony ; their limits ^nd
blunds were fixed irrevoeably, and voluntarily subscribed to m
SheSy estate by themselves, and were by our fii^t parents
subscribed to upon the earth. Kence the Importance of embrac-
ing and subscribing to principles of eternal truth by all men
upon the earth that expect eternal lite.
CHURCH CHRONOLOGY.
This compendium being Wed^^^^^^^^^
Klt^s'o?arw^mpKt"etrfn1k development of *^
«^1o^!ijosepVsmHh. Jun., was bornon the 23d of December, in
'nS;}'.^arl^°inti;eXriS! Joseph Smith. Jun , had his first
"^"S^i.-Sepien.^er 21 ; Joseph Smith. J- X^^ofTo^^s
^''^^}''^^^l?^'''fb!i'^ao^i^TSyV7ve^^ the place where
IZ'v'^^^^^^tW'SXmTu. Obtained the Plates of
lS!8,-^eb™an/; Martin Harm *owedj^^^.^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^ P.o-
.ai^^^Totl i^iir/l^rSW- John the Baptist, and were
n'ki%^f^5e^hu-hlJX«^^^^^^^^
for the reception of the Holy Ghost f^^,^,^, in Fayette Sen-
•'rouVNew Yo?k. '?lf 0?tob^r Vbe first missionaries to the
^nl}e hV2"%^,^rn"d'^rz^ol,\^L^ct^S^^ and dedicated by
pra^eTfortheIather?«'g of the saints.
V
v^
CHURCH CHRONOLOGY. 307
August 4. The first Conference of the Church in the land of
Zion was held.
1SS2.— April 26. Joseph Smith, Jun., was acknowledged Presi-
dent of the High Priesthood, at a General Council of the Church.
May 1. At a Council held at Independence, it was decided to
publish the Book of Uoctrine and Covenants.
r June. The first periodical, " The Evening and Morning Star,"
Was published by the Church in Independence.
/ IS'^Z.— February 2. Joseph Smith, Jun., completed the transla-
Ijion of the New Testament.
March 18. The Quorum of High Priests was first organized in
Kirtland.
July 2. Joseph Smith, Jun., finished the translation of the Bible.
July 23. The corner stones of the Lord's house in Kirtland
were laid.
/' September 11. It was decided to publish a paper in Kirtland,
; entitled " The Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate."
'i Bishop Edward Partridge was acknowledged head of the Church
Mu Zion,
December 18. Joseph Smith, Sen., was ordained Patriarch.
/^ I'SM,— February 17. A First Presidency of three and a High
fCouncil of twelve were first organized.
May 3. At a Conference of Elders in Kirtland. the Chui-ch was
^first named " The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
May 5. Zion's Camp left Kirtland for Missouri.
l^Z:'').— February 28. The organization of the Quorums of Sev-
/ enties commenced.
May 3. The Twelve left Kirtland on their first mission.
{ July. In the early part of this month the rolls of Egyptian
V papyrus, which contained the writings of Abraham and Joseph in
s._Egypt, were obtained.
/ August 17. At a general assembly at Kirtland, the Book of
/Doctrine and Covenants was accepted as a rule of faith and prac-
\ I tice
^^-i ; A^Z^.— January 21. The authorities of the Church attended to
i the ordinances of anointing and blessing each other in the Kirt-
i land Temple.
>. March 27. The House of the Lord in Kirtland was dedicated.
April 3. In the House of the Lord in Kirtland, the Savior,
Moses, Elias and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oli-
ver Cowdery.
"• l^'6l.—June. In this month Heber C. Kimball, O.Hyde and
W. Richards were set apart for a mission to England. This was
the first foreign mission of the Church.
July 1. The mission for England sailed from New York on the
ship Oarrick.
July 20. The English mission landed in Liverpool, England.
July 30. The first baptism in England, by divine authority
took place in the River Ribble.
August 4. The first conftimation of members in the Church
took place in England, in Walkerfold, Chaidgley.
September 27. Joseph Smith, Jun., left Kirtland to visit the
Saints in Missouri and establish gathering places. He arrived in
Far West about the last of October, or first ol November.
December 10. About this time Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived m
Kirtland from Missouri.
/m
3oS CHURCH CHRONOLOGY.
Decemher 25. The first Conference of the Latter-day Saints in
England was held in the Cock Pit, Preston. During this month a
somewhat extensive apostacytookpla.ee in Kirtland. , . „ ,
1838.— Mirc/i 14. Joseph Smith, Jun., and family arrived at J^ ar
West.
July^. 515 Saints left Kirtland for Missouri. .
Ociohm^ 27. Governor Boggs' exterminnting order was issued.
October?,^. The massacre at Haun's Mill took place,
r October 31. Joseph Smith, Jur., and others were betrayed by
* November 1. Joseph Smith, Jun., and others condemned to be
shot. Far West plundered. «r^„+ 4.^ mi
\^m.— February 14. Bngham Young fled from Far West to lUi-
\ ^^^Avril 15. Joseph Smith, Jun., and his companions in bonds,
'■ left Davies for Broome County, and on their way made their es-
cape from the guard. -p^^W^of
Avril 2ri The Saints commenced evacu'^ tmg Far W est. ^
April 22. Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived in Quincy, Illinois.
June 11. The first house was put up by the Saints in Com-
merce, afterward named Nauvoo.
September 18. Elder Brigham Young, accompanied by H. C.
Kimb>)ll, left Nauvoo on his first mission to England.
October 29. Joseph Smith, Jun., and others left Nauvoo for
Washington, D. C, as delegates from the Church to the general
^""SSr* 28. Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived in NVashington.
184C- March 4. Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived m Nauvoo from
^^^\m.-Tpril 15. Elder O. Hyde left Commerce, on his mis-
'%a/^^'Th^hr,t number of "The Latter-day Saints' Millen-
nial Star " was published at Manchester, England ^„^^^^
June 6. The first company of emigrating Saints, from Europe,
sailed from Liverpool for New York. i • t ^
July 20. The company of Saints who left Liverpool in June
^''About''thrfiJsrof this month, the fir t English edition of the
Lfltter-dav Saints' Hymn Book was published
September U. Joseph Smith, Sen., died in Npuvoo.
Dkemb!rll: The charter of the city of Nauvoo became a
^^%1 -January. During this month the first English edition of
'""'Z^^SlT'T^em^t!^^^^^ in the Nauvoo Temple was
^^^im -December 7. Elder O. Hyde returned from his mission to
Jeru|aleTrL^^^ 27. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were assassinated in
x"" 1845 -iepL&cr 24. The authorities of the Church made a
. ^ 4atTwith?hTmob to evacuate Nauvoo the following spring
/ .-^Featywu^^tne^^^ ^^ ^^.^ month, the exodus
iof the Saints from Nauvoo C'o^^enced. . , , ,, , Pis.
/ May 16. The Pioneer camp of th« Saints arriTSd at Mouni ris
(gah. Iowa Territory.
CHURCH CHUOXOI OGY. 3O9
June. A call was made, by the general government, for the
Mormon Battalion.
September iU, 11, 12. Battles took place between the citizens of
Nanvoo and the m *b.
September 16. The Trustees of the Church, in Nauvoo, made a
treaty with the mob for the surrender ot the city, and its immedi-
ate evacuation by the remnant or the Saints.
l?yil .—April 14. The Pioneers left Winter Quarters for the
Rocky Mountains.
Jtdy 24. The Pioneers entered Great Salt Lake Valley.
December 23. Tlie Twelve sent lonh an epistle to the Saints to
recommence the gathering.
1848. — May. Presidents B. Young and Heber C. Kimball left
Winter Quarters, the second time, lor Gieat Sjfit Lai^e Valley.
September 20. Presidents B. Young and H. C. Kimball arrived,
the second time, in Great Salt Lake Valley.
November 19. The Nauvoo Temple was burned.
1849.— October 6. The organization of the P. E. Fund Company
was commenced.
18.">0.— .7M?ie 14. The first missionaries to Scandinavia landed in
Copenhagen, Denmark.
June 15. The first number of the "Deseret News" was published.
August 12. The first baptisms in Denmark, by legal authority,
in this dispensation, took place.
September 9. The "Act" lor organizing the Territory of Utah be-
came a law.
October 13. The first company of P. E Fund emigrants arrived
in Salt Lake City, from the United States.
December 7. The first branch of the Church, in France, was or-
ganized at Paris.
1851. — January 9. Salt Lake City was incorporated,
January 13 The first settlers of Iron County, U. T., arrived on
Centre Creek, near where the city of Parowan now stands.
l^2.—Avgui<t 29. The revelation on the law of Celestial
Marriage was first made public.
September 3. The first company of P. E. Fund emigrants from
Europe arrived in Utah.
December 13. The Legislative Assembly of Utah Territory met,
for the first time
l^b?>.— January 25. Elders O. Spencer and J. Houtz, mission-
aries, arrived in Berlin, Prussia, and were banished from there on
the second of February following.
February 14. The Temple Block in Salt Lake City was conse-
crated.
March 7. The first missionaries to Gibraltar arrived there.
November 1. The first number of the "Journal of Discourses"
was published in England.
ia54.— i¥«?/ 23. Patriarch John Smith died.
June 28. John Smith, son of Hyrum Smith, was appointed
Patriarch over the Church.
1855.— 3/a?/ 5. The Endowment House in Salt Lake City was
dedicated.
October. A branch of the Church was organized in Dresden,
Germany.
During this year grasshoppers and drouth caused a great failure
of crops in Utah.
3^° CHURCH CHRONOLOGY.
October 29. The First Presidency of the Church, in their Gen
erai Epistle, proposed, for the Saints who should emigrate by ihe
P. E. Fund, to cross the plains with handcarts.
IS-'^G.— During this year the pfactice ot paying tithing was gen-
erally introduced among the Saints in Europe. During the win-
ter and spring there was a great scarcity of food in Utah, and
many domestic animals perished.
September 26. The first company of Saints, who crossed the
plains with handcarts, arrived.
IS^l.— April 23. A company of about seventy missionary
elders left Salt Lake City to cross the plains with handcarts.
July 11. A. Cumming, of Georgia, was appointed governor of
Utah.
July 23. Messrs. J. Stoddard and A. O. Smoot arrived from
Independence without the mails, the postmaster there having re-
ceived orders not to forward tliem. They brought the news that
General Harney, with over 2000 men, was ordered to Utah
Near the close of the year, the U. S. army, under General John-
son, took possession of Fort Bridger.
' 18.)8.— ifarc/i 21. The citizens of Utah, living north of Utah
County, agreed to abandon their homes and move south. This
was deemed advisable as a defensive measure.
In the meantime Col. Thos. L. Kane had arrived in Salt Lake
City, via California, for the purpose of bringing about a peaceful
solution of the difficulties between the U. S. and Utah.
April 19. Gov. Cumming and Col. Kane visited the Utah
library, where they were shown the records and seal of the U. S.
court, which was said to have been destroyed.
June 7. Messrs. Powell and McCuUough, sent out as peace
commissioners, by the general government, arrived in Salt Lake
City.
June2(}. The "Army of Utah," under Col. Johnson, passed
through Salt Lake City and camped on the west side of the river
Jordan.
June 30. The people who had moved south began to return to
their homes.
.-■-■ October 2^. .Tacob Hamblin, with eleven men, left Southern
Utah to open intercourse with the Indians on the east side of the
river Colorado.
1861— ^pn^ 23. Two hundred wagons, with four yoke of cattle
each, carrying 15,000 pounds of flour, started lor the Missouri
river, to bring the poor of the Saints to Utah.
October 18. President B. Young sent the first message over the
overland wire to the U. S.
October 24. Th^ first telegram was sent to San Francisco. In
the autumn of this year a large colony of Saints was sent to
southern Utah.
1862.— Odober 24. Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, was
located bv Col. P. E Connor.
1863.— Col. P. E. Connor defeated a band of the Shoshone Indi-
ans near Bear river. , , ^ ,
March 3. Great mass meeting held in the Tabernacle, Salt
Lake City, to protest against the infamous course of U. S. officials.
WSi.— April 10. Moves were made for building a telegraph line
in Utah.
CHURCH CHRONOLOGY. 3II
im^>.— January 1. The first number of the "Juvenile Instruc-
tor" was issued, in Salt Lake City.
18G7.— The Deseret Telegraph Company was organized.
18 \?.—June 19.— Ground was broken in Weber Canyon, on the
U. P. Railroad.
October 16. Co-operative Mercantile Institution was organized.
B. Young, president.
/" March 8.— U. S. Land Office opened in Salt Lake City.
/ March \.f>. A company was pa riially organized for 'building a
/ railroad between Ogden and Salt Lake City.
f May 9. The last rail was laid connecting the U. P. and C. P.
I railroads, thus completing the first railroad across tlie continent.
; May 17. The first ground was broken for the Utah Central
; Railroad.
■^ June 25. The first company of Latter-day Saint emigrants
1 reached Ogden, per U. P. R. R.
December 2\. In the evening street lamps were first used in
; Salt Lake City.
j ISIO.— January 10. The last rail of the Utah Centiid Railroad
; was laid.
January 13. General mass meeting of the ladies of Salt Lake
, City, to protest against the passage of the Cullom bill.
i February 12. "An act conferring the elective franchise upon
\^omen," became a law of Utah Territory.
y April 27, An abandoned child was left at the door of Mrs.
X The first circumstance ot the kind known in
/Salt Lake City.
August 12.' A discussion commenced, in Salt Lake City, be-
tween Professor O. Prntt and Dr. J P. Newman, chaplain of the
U. S. Senate. Que^-tion, "Does the Bible sanction polygamy?"
September 1;">. Gov. J. W.Shafer issued a proclamation, forbid-
ding the assembly of the militia of Utah Territory for any purpose
except by his orders.
l^ll.—May 1. Ground was first broken for the Utah Southern
, Railroad.
I June BO. Acting-Governor of Utah, George A. Black, issued a
; procl^ miition forbidding any of the militia of the Territory to as-
; semble for the purpose of celebrating the ninety-fifth anniv ersary
, of American Independence.
\ October 10. President B. Y'oung was arrested by U S. Mar hal
'^^ on an indictment founded on a charge of "lascivious col abita-
'^on."
1872 —June 1. The first number of the "Woman's Exponent*
was issued in Salt Lake City.
September 3 Ground was dedicated and broken for the Salt
Lake City water works.
October 14 President G. A. Smith and others left Salt Lake City
on their Palestine tour.
1873 —February 21. President Smith and party arrived in Jeru-
salem.
June IS. President Smith arrived in Salt Lalic City.
EMIGRATK'N — BOJK OF MORMON.
LATTER-DAY SAINTS' EMIGRATION.
The publications of the church show ihat, commencing with
the year 1810 and ending with the year 188^, there have been emi-
grated from the European countries to the United bt tes, by tlie
church emigration agencies, 78, 19 souls, wlio have crossed the
sea in 213 sail vessels and steamships.
These have «ome in companies of varied numbers, from a
dozen or two at a time to as many as eight hundred or more,
which latter number has embarked several times on double
decked ships.
We regret our inability to give a tabulated statement of the
number of persons from each country of their nativity. The
greater proportions have been from Great Britain and Scandina-
via, while Switzreland, Germany, Italy, Icela?nd, Finland, East
India, South Africa and other countries have contributed to make
up the number.
A very remarkable feature In this work of gathering Israel is
that of all these vessels that have gone to sea, no one with a
Latter-day Saint on it has ever gone down. Some have been
driven back to Fort before they could get out of the Irish channel,
one was dismasted before reaching New Orleans, but all have
yielded up their precious souls and freight to the ports of their
destination.
The organization, cleanliness and consequent health, peace
and safety, have rendered the Saints' emigration notorious and
proverbial among European shippers and ship captains, many of
whom have been heard to say that a company of Mormon emi-
grants on their ship they considered better insurance than the
underwriters at Lloyd's could give.
THE BQOK OF MORMON.
The Book of Mormon is the name ot a record which was
engraved upon plates of gold, about 41)0 years after the crucihxion
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by a celebrated prophet
named Mormon These plates were deposited by his son, Moroni,
in a stone bi^x in a hill in the western part of the State of New
York, called by the Nephites, Cumorah. The language m which
this record was made was said by Mormon to be Relormed
Egyptian. On the 22d of September, 1823, Moroni discovered the
stone box which contained these plates, the Urim and I huramim,
a sword and breastplate, to the young Prophet. Joseph Smith, J.^
and he, by the aid o' the Urim and Thummim, traii^ated the
record from the plates into the English language. J^^^ ^^ .^^^^^
most ancient, the most accurate and reliable history ofAmenca
its ancient inhabitants and its antiquities, that is now extant, ana
has since been translated from the English into the French G^^^
m^^n Italian, Danish, Swedish, \Veish. Kanaka Hiii^dost.n^^^^
i^utch and Spanish. It has also been printed and pub shed in
all those languages except Spanish, Hindostanee and Dutch, ana
will soon be published in the Spanish also.
312 • EMIGRATKN — BOJK OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS' El
The publications of the church show
the year 1810 aud ending with ihe year 188|
grated from the Europes n countries to tlj
church emigration agencies, 78, 19 souls,
sea in 21*3 sail vessels and steamships.
These have «ome in companies of vj
dozen or two at a time to as many as e
which latter number has embarked sel
decked ships.
We regret our inability to give a tab^
number of persons from each country
greater proportions have been from Great
via, while Switzreland, Germany, Italy,!
India, South Africa and other countries m
up the number.
A very remarkable feature in this wo^
that of all tliese vessels that have gone
Latter-day Saint on it has ever gone d|
driven back to Fort before they could get
one was dismasted before reaching Nev
yielded up their precious souls and frei|
destination.
The organization, cleanliness and co|
and safety, have rendered the Saints' ei
proverbial among European shippers anc"
whom have been heard to say that a c(
grants on their ship they considered be|
underwriters at Lloyd's could give.
THE BQOK OF M
The Book of Mormon is the name
engraved upon plates of gold, about 400
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
named Mormon These plates were depc]
in a stone box in a hill in the western
York, called by the Nephites, Cumorah
this record was made was said by ^l
Egyptian On the 22d of September, 182.^
stone box which contained these plates, t
a sword and breastplate, to the young P
and he, by the aid o' the Urim and Tl^^^^^^^^^
record from the plates into the Englisii x«x..6-;6- nf*Ameri'ci
most ancient, the most accurate and reliable h story of A me r^^^
its ancient inhabitants and its antiquities, that is f^w extant, an
has since been translated from the English into the Frenc^^^^^^
nipn Italian, Danish, Swedish, Welsh, Kanaka Hiiidos^^^^
i^utch and Spanish. It has alsp been Pi-i^/ed and published i
all those languages except Spanish, Hindostanee and Dutch, an
will soon be published in the Spanish also.
DATE DUE
MAR 2 0 1981
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